SLOW Street-O races and club nights

2008/2009 series

SLOW is once again organising a street orienteering (“Street-O”) race once a month between September 2008 and April 2009, which will usually be held on the second Tuesday of each month (exact dates below). Each evening will consist of a night street orienteering race, as well as a social event afterwards where you can meet up with club members. Further details on Street-O are set out below.

Click on the map links below to see rough event locations.  Further details on each event will be posted on the SLOW 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 to be put in touch).

FINAL Overall results for 2008/09 series

Event schedule – Events are being held the following Tuesdays:

No.	Date	Venue	Organiser	Information
1	16 September 2008	Lambeth	Charles Bromley Gardner	Details Results
2	14 October 2008	Southfields	Ruth King/Nicky Morris	Details Results
3	11 November 2008	Richmond	Matthias Mahr/Abi Weeds	Details Results
4	9 December 2008	Putney	Dorte Torpe Hansen	Details Results
5	13 January 2009	Wimbledon	Don McKerrow	Details Results
6	10 February 2009	Kingston	Chris Glew	Details Results
7	10 March 2009	Surbiton	Paul Nixon	Details Results
8	7 April 2009	Pimlico	Christine Jones/Tim Smith	Details Results

Series results:
Points are scored at each event, with 50 for the winner, 45 for 2nd place, and then 41 for 3rd, 38 for 4th, 36 for 5th, 35 for 6th, 34 for 7th etc down to 1 point for everyone who finishes 40th place or lower. The organiser of the event scores an automatic maximum 50 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. In the event of a tie, head-to-head results will be used.

2007/08 Street-O series : General event information Overall results

General details about the Street-O races

What is a Street-O race?  An urban orienteering race, 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 correct 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.  The time limit is generally 60 minutes – try to keep within this limit, as you will be penalised points for every minute you are late getting back! If you don’t want to run for a full 60 minutes you can always come back earlier.

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 (although some races will have fixed start times – check the details in advance).  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 30 or so 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 usually starts from around 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 on the website, 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 17 April 2009