Metrogaine Jo’burg

 

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Explore Jo’burg suburbs with this night-time, urban, navigation-running event!

Date: Thursday, 11 April 2013 (AR.co.za’s 12th birthday!)

Venue: Sandton Sports Club

Registration: from 17h30 – 18h45

Briefing: 18h45

Start time: 19h00 (both courses)

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

Entry format: Two-person team (pair)

Courses: One hour or 90-minutes

Entry fee: R110/pair (R90 until end of March)

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 your 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 19h00 and course closes at 20h30
  • One-hour course starts at 19h00 and closes at 20h00

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.

Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

ENTRIES ARE CLOSED.

Please do not phone or email me asking for an entry. My printing order has been submitted. Keep an eye on this site for news of the next Metrogaine and subscribe to the Metrogaine notification list (above) so you don’t miss out again.


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
  • Wear a reflective belt/bib: visibility to motorists
  • 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.

DIRECTIONS

Holt Street E, Parkmore.

From William Nicol, turn into Sandton Drive (heading towards Sandton). Take the first left into Marie Street. Take the next first left into 6th Street and again the first left into Holt Street. Entrance on your left.

From the M1, take the Grayston Drive turn off and turn onto Grayston Drive heading towards Sandton. Turn right into Sandton drive (T-junction). Turn right into Marie Street (down the hill; before intersection with William Nicol). Take the first left into 6th Street and again the first left into Holt street. Entrance on left.

PIZZA & drinks

Runners, you can pre-order a delicious pizza from the Sandton Sports Club, which they’ll prep while you’re out running so that it will be ready shortly after you finish. Please stick around for a bite to eat and/or a drink when you’ve finished.

This event is held in association with the South African Orienteering Federation and Adventure Racing Club. And with thanks to the Sandton Sports Club.

To improve your navigation, consider attending any of the regular Sunday morning orienteering events.

Everyone welcome from tiny tots to old folks.

ENQUIRIES: Lisa, 082 936-2509, lisa@ar.co.za

 ”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).