SLOW Street Events and club nights

2006/2007 series

Final 2006/07 series results

Organisers are now needed for the 2007/08 Street-O series – please volunteer to Paul Nixon (webmaster@sloweb.org.uk) if you would be prepared to run an event, so that we can continue with a full program next year. Events can be hosted either from your own house, or a nearby pub/sports club/social club etc. Many street-O maps are already in existence of areas over London which can be used; alternatively help can be given for you to draw your own. A bonus 12 points is awarded to all event organisers!

Details on the 2006/07 series:

SLOW is putting on a Street-O event once a month between September and April. Each evening will consist of a night street orienteering event, as well as a social event where you can meet up with club members.

Click on the locations below to see area maps.  Further details on each event will be posted on the website a week or two in advance.  If you would like to contact any of the organisers, please check the SLOW membership list for contact details (or email anyone on the "Contact Us" page).

Event schedule   Starts from 7.00pm onwards on the following Tuesdays:

No.	Date	Venue	Organiser	Information
1	12 September 2006	Southfields	Nicky King	Results
2	10 October 2006	Surbiton	Simon Evans	Results
3	14 November 2006	Wimbledon	Don McKerrow	Results
4	12 December 2006	Kingston	Andy/Chris Robinson	Results
5	9 January 2007	Kensington/Notting Hill	Phil Marsland	Results
6	13 February 2007	Richmond	Matthias Mahr	Results
7	13 March 2007	Dorking	Ian Ditchfield	Results
8	17 April 2007	Raynes Park	David Harrison	Results

Series results:
This year we will be compiling overall results throughout the series. Points will be scored at each event, with 12 for the winner, 10 for 2nd place, and then 8 for 3rd, 7 for 4th etc down to 1 point for everyone who finishes 10th place or lower. The organiser of the event scores an automatic 12 points. The overall results will be based on your best 4 scores in the series, and there will be prizes for the leading man and leading woman over the series. The final 2006/07 series results are available from the link at the top of this page.

Results from the 2005/06 Street-O series can be found here.

General details about the Street Events

What is a street event?  An urban orienteering event, where you are given a special map of the local area, with the aim of running around looking specific locations ("controls") on the map, under the street lights.  You will also be given a clue sheet, which will ask a question for each control, which you will be able to complete when you find the location – eg "name of the pub" or the "colour of door at number 20".

Each control is assigned a points value - generally the ones further away are worth more points.  The aim is to score as many points as possible, within the given time limit.  There are usually two different time options, 45 minutes or 60 minutes, depending on how long you want to run for.  Try to keep within the time limit, as you will be penalised points for every minute you are late getting back!

Where are the events held?  The street events are held at various locations over SW London, and are usually based either at the organiser's house or a local pub or sports centre.  The events will usually be the second Tuesday of the month, running from September until April.  From May to August we switch over to a summer series of orienteering evening events in parks and woodland, making the most of the light in the evenings. 

People usually turn up between 7pm and 8pm, and start their run soon after arriving.  The organiser will always be there to give you the map and record the start time, and there will be other people around to give you tips and advice before you run.

What does the map look like?  Usually a black-and-white A4 map, showing the outline of the streets – but without street names! There are often some additional useful features included, for example bridges or major buildings.  The map shows the control points which you need to find - there will usually be around 20-30 of these.  

What kit do I need?  All you should need is running kit, a pen and a watch.  You won't need a headlamp as the event is always under streetlights. A compass is not required!

Will I be safe?  The events are held on well lit streets and avoid dark alleyways. Most people prefer to run alone, although you can choose to run in pairs if you prefer. 

What about the social?    The social side starts from about 8pm, when people start coming back from their runs.  You don't have to run - you can just come and have a chat, get an idea of what orienteering is all about, or just join us for a drink.  Usually food and drink is available.  The evening usually finishes between 10 and 11pm.

What is the cost?  The event is usually free.  If someone is providing food and drink there is usually a small charge.  You pay for your own food and drink at a pub or sports centre.  The club pays for printing the maps.

Who can take part?  Everyone is welcome.  The events are particularly suitable for people who have never tried orienteering before, and are an excellent opportunity to meet club members and find out more.  Events which are held in pubs may not be suitable for children - check with the organiser beforehand.

Are you interested?  If you would like to take part in these fun events, further details will go up on the website in the week or so before the event.  When the details are posted, it would be helpful to let the organiser know that you are coming - this helps to plan for the number of maps and quantity of food and drink needed.

Series Co-ordinator: Paul Nixon (webmaster@sloweb.org.uk)

Page updated 18 April 2007