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!

Registration and Starts: Registration and starts from 18:10 to 18:30, starts same location as registration.

Location: The area is located centrally within the City of Durham, with start, finish and registration on the east end of the field at the Sands (Between Ferens Close and Wearside Drive). Grid ref NZ 278 430, nearest postcode DH1 1JY, ‘what3words’ – ///taxi.smooth.mash, google maps.

Entries: Pre-entries now closed, you can come along enter on the evening subject to map availability.
Payment should be on the day (cash or card, please bring correct change).

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 2026.
Payment should be on the day (cash or card, please bring correct change).

Travel: Durham Station is approx. a 15 minutes walk (1.2km/0.7 miles) from registration.

Milburngate Bus Stands are approx. a 15 minutes walk (1km/0.6 miles) from registration. Single tickets are £2.50/£1 for Under 21s and there is also a £6 all day County Durham ticket (or £7.50 NE Combined Authority/£3 ticket available for aged 21 and under) which covers most operators within the County including Arriva and Go North East.

Parking: There is plentiful on street car parking (free after 6pm) available in the vicinity of registration, but please be considerate of local residents.There are no official bike racks in the vicinity, however there are several features which could be used to secure your bike.

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

Punching: There will be no punches at controls, although SI 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: The Sands – Scale 1:4000. StreetO Map style produced using Open Orienteering Mapper.

Terrain: Mostly residential streets, footpaths and park. Some parts of the area are particularly hilly. 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 will be no toilets available at the event. Toilets are available in the Freeman’s Quay Leisure Centre.

Safety: Area is an urban 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. Those setting off later may wish to bring a torch – sunset is 19:02 although most of the area has street lighting.

The course will involve road crossings so Juniors aged under 16 should be accompanied/shadowed on the course by a parent/guardian.

Orienteering is an adventure sport. You take part at your own risk and are responsible for your own safety. A full risk assessment will have been carried out. A quick reminder for newcomers: If you’re not currently a member of British Orienteering, you won’t be covered by the organisation’s public liability insurance for this event. You’re very welcome to take part, but please be aware that you do so at your own risk.

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

Officials:

• Organiser – Matthew Foskett,
• Planner – Cath Lawlor and Family,
• Controller/Series Organiser – Matthew Foskett