Metrogaine Jo’burg

Chase away the winter chill with this cheeky, night-time, mid-winter, urban, navigation-running event!

*** NEW MAP FORMAT *** (very exciting!)

*** IMPROVED QUICK-QUICK REGISTRATION PROCESS *** (we just keep gettin’ better!)

Date: Thursday, 21 June 2012 (winter solstice)

Registration: from 17h00 – 18h15

Briefing: 18h15

Start time: 18h30 (both courses)

Courses close: 19h30 (1hr) and 20h00 (90-minute)

Entry format: Two-person team (pair)

Courses: One hour or 90-minutes

Entry fee: R90/pair

Venue: Blairgowrie Recreation Centre, cnr Park Lane & Susman Avenue (Susman comes off Conrad Drive; entrance on Park Lane). X marks the spot.

How does the Metrogaine work?

Enter a two-person (pair) team. You will receive a full-colour A3 map on which checkpoints (also called controls) are marked. A cluesheet will guide you to the control locations. You will have a limited time (one hour or 90-minutes) to walk, jog or run to as many controls as possible. You set you own pace and choose your own route.

The map is an orienteering-style street map. As before, it does not have street names or identifying features. Only basic navigation is needed to locate checkpoints using the clues provided. Yes, even teens could handle this on their own. Compass skills are not required.

Controls are assigned a points value. Those that are closer to the start have a lower points allocation than those further away. Yes, you do have to work harder for checkpoints with lots of points. Your ultimate objective is to get the most number of points, not necessarily to visit the most number of physical controls…

The most important consideration is that you are ‘home’ before your time is up. You will be penalised (heavily!) for each minute that you are late.

Starts:

  • 90-minute course starts at 18h30 and course closes at 20h00
  • One-hour course starts at 18h30 and closes at 19h30

Results announcement as soon as all sheets are in – there is no formal prize giving. Full results go out on email and online. Winners on each course and in the categories of mixed, men’s and women’s pairs get free entry to the next event; as well as the ‘piggy-in-the-middle’ and ‘most value’ finishers. Customary Metrogaine treat to everyone at the finish AND a cup of steaming hot chocolate.

Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

PRE-ENTRY ONLY. Entries limited to 100 pairs.

Entries online NOW through www.EntryTickets.net

Entries close at 12h00 on Monday, 18 June 2012

Bring:

  • Road running shoes are perfect: the course is run on roads, so trail shoes are not necessary
  • Pen / highlighter: for ticking correct answers when you find each location (pink/orange highlighter works best)
  • Bring a headlamp: street lights do not illuminate all of the roads and you’ll need it to read your map anyway
  • Warm clothing: it will be chilly (walkers, you’ll need to wrap up warmer than the runners).
  • Water bottle/hydration: water is not provided on the route
  • Cell phone: please run with a cell phone. Relevant telephone number will be on the map so that you can phone for assistance in the event of injury.

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

This event is held in a suburb and as such you’ll be walking and running on roads and pavements. Always keep to the right-hand side of the road, facing oncoming traffic. Due to the nature of this event, the route and traffic is not controlled. You are responsible for your own safety out there. Although the control locations aim to limit you to quiet suburb roads with little vehicular traffic, you may have to cross a busier road. This is why it is very important for you to wear reflective items so that you are visible; and that you are cautious when crossing any road. You also need to be alert to the usual dangers like missing drain covers and uneven paving.

This event is held in association with the South African Orienteering Federation and in partnership with the Blairgowrie Recreation Centre.

To improve your navigation, consider attending any of the regular Sunday morning orienteering events. Everyone welcome from tiny tots to old folks.

With Lisa overseas on this night (and about to run the 24hr Irish Rogaine), Fred will be running the event. Please contact him with any enquiries after 11 June. All maps and planning prepared by Lisa.

ENQUIRIES: Lisa, 082 936-2509, lisa@ar.co.za (until 11 June; thereafter contact Fred, 083 602 6163)

 ”"What an amazing evening. My first Metrogaine, and every minute was exciting. I think I let my partner down a bit, too much walking on the uphills. But boy what fun and I got to catch up with lots of old friends. I’d definitely recommend it.” Jeremy Green and Alex Pope finished second at Metrogaine Jo’burg – Melville (1410 points).