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 Gilesgate, Durham; with start, finish and registration outside St. Giles’ Church (Church Ln, Durham DH1 1QQ). Grid reference NZ 28417 42654, ‘what3words’ – ///inform.enter.words, google maps. We will be on the grass out the front of the Church and have our flag at registration to help you spot us!

The nearest bus stop is Magdalene Street, Gilesgate Bank (0.1km/0.05miles, nos. 20, 22, 24, 64, 65, 204). Buses available include from Durham Bus Station, Sherburn, Sunderland, Hartlepool, Seaham, Peterlee and the Arnison Centre. Durham train station is 1.6km/1miles from registration, alternatively this can be shortened by using the bus from Milburngate.

Parking: Parking had kindly been made available by St Giles’ Church (please note this is not a public car park). Please make use of the tarmac carpark round to the right of the church beside the hall first, additional parking is available on the church driveway if required.

Bike parking is available in front of the Church Hall, if this becomes full then 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: Entry on day, or pre-entry now closed. limited maps for EOD.
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.
Note that under 16 should be accompanied/shadowed on the course by a parent/guardian for safety reasons (road crossings).
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: Gilesgate and surrounding areas – Scale 1:10 000, 5m contours. StreetO Map style produced using Open Orienteering Mapper.

A pink cross on the map denotes somewhere which is not to be crossed.

The symbol below denotes a crossing point for a busy road or similar.

Terrain: A mixture of residential housing, local parks and woodland footpaths, depending on route and controls chosen. Note some routes may take participants near or across busier roads.  

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 Dragonville shops.

Safety: There are some busy roads on the course – take extreme care crossing roads.

Under 16s to be accompanied by an adult.

Some areas may be busy, be patient and courteous with members of the public

Area is a mix of urban areas (with usual hazards e.g. cars) and countryside footpaths. Competitors should avoid private area.

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 – Meg Baker (Matthew Foskett on the day),
• Planner – Tom Dutton,
• Controller/Series Organiser – Matthew Foskett