Info: This event will be a 45 minute Score event – simply visit as many controls as you can in 45 minutes by running, walking or jogging. Suitable for all abilities!

How it works: Visit as many controls (checkpoints) on the map as you can in 45 minutes. Each control will have a question or clue on the back of your map that you need to answer to prove you’ve been there. Each (correct!) control = 10 points. Use an SI ‘dibber’ to scan the start box and finish box to record your time. Minus 10 points for every part minute late.

Travel: The event will be in and around Low Newton Nature Reserve and Frankland Woods, Durham; with start, finish and registration at the Low Newton parking area (accessed by vehicle from Brasside), DH1 5SQ. Grid reference NZ 28417 42654, ‘what3words’ – ///daredevil.friend.inquest, google maps. We will have our flag at registration to help you spot us!

For those walking/running/cycling from Durham City Centre, there is easy access along the Frankland Lane Bridleway.

The nearest bus stop with service at the time of the event is Canterbury Road Park (1.2km/0.75miles). It is served by no. 64 approximately every 30 minutes to Durham or the Arnison Centre. Durham train station is 3.6km/2.35miles from registration, alternatively this can be shortened by using the 64 bus from North Road.

Parking: Parking is available adjacent to registration. Please park considerately. The parking is accessed from Brasside via the access track between the prisons.

There is no formal bike parking, however bikes can be left adjacent to registration.

Registration will be manned throughout the event so bags etc. may be left here at the owner’s risk.

Entries: Pre-enter via online form (preferred) or enter on the day.
Payment should be on the day (cash or card, please bring correct change).

Registration: Registration will be open from 18:15, with starts from 18:30 to 19:00.

Fees: Seniors – £4.00, Juniors – £2.00
Groups welcome and charged per map as one senior/junior as applicable.
Seniors are those who will be 21 or over on 31st December 2025.
Payment should be on the day (cash or card, please bring correct change).

Start: Starts will be from 18:30 to 19:00, same location as registration.

Punching: There will be no punches at controls, although SI “dibbers” will be used to determine start and finish times – please bring your own SI if you have one (also available free of charge to borrow, lost or non-returned SI cards will be charged at £30).

Controls will be items of street furniture or similar with a simple question at each control to prove that you have visited (e.g. what number is this postbox?). Please bring a pen or similar to record your answer.

Map & Area: Low Newton and surrounding areas – Scale 1:7 500, 5m contours. New map for this event by Oliver Puschmann.

Terrain: A mixture of local nature reserve, new woodland and various footpaths, depending on route and controls chosen. Note some routes may take participants near deep ponds with steep banks.  

Control descriptions: Control descriptions will be on the reverse of the map in the form of questions or clues (e.g. ‘lamppost number’) – there will be NO loose paper copies available on the day.

Facilities: There are no public toilets available at this event. Nearest toilets are in Durham City Centre or Arnison Centre shops.

Safety: There are some deep ponds and water filled ditches within the course area with steep sides. Take care when nearby.

The course does not require you to cross any public roads (only access tracks and similar), therefore it is not a requirement that Under 16s to be accompanied by an adult. However, it is advised that all Under 11s and all Under 16s who are not experienced orienteers are accompanied or shadowed by any responsible adult.

The area is adjacent to two prisons – please keep to public areas when near these!

All competitors that have registered to start must report to registration after they finish (even if they do not wish their score/time to be recorded). Competitors are welcome to carry a phone when they compete. There will be a first aid kit and first aiders at registration.

Dogs: Dogs will be allowed but under close control. Please clean up after your dog.

Officials:

• Organiser – Matthew Foskett
• Planner – Oliver Puschmann
• Controller/Series Organiser – Matthew Foskett