Venue Slieve Croob – Slievenisky
Date Sat, 2nd Mar 24
Starts 11:00 to 13:00
iCal file iCal
Event Description
LVO welcomes you to the slopes of Slieve Croob for the 2023 NI Long Distance Champs – postponed from last autumn. On a fine day there are unrivalled views of the Mourne Mountains, but lack of access means you will meet no-one but other orienteers! Apparently, people gather on the first Sunday in August to carry stones up the mountain to bury the 12 kings whose grave is at the top – but I suggest you travel light for the event!
This event is open to all orienteers but to be eligible to be NI champ you must be a current member of a NIOA club and since this is the postponed 2023 champs you must enter the class you ran in 2023 (or run up). However, since the race is also one of the selection races for Juniors wanting to be considered for the JHI they should run their current age class – which will still be competitive for NI Champ.
| Course | Class | Length (m) | Climb (m) | Map Scale |
| 1 | M21 | 7250 | 375 | 10000 |
| 2 | M35, M40 | 6230 | 340 | 10000 |
| 3 | M18, M20, M45,M50 | 6340 | 290 | 10000 |
| 3.1 | W21 | 6340 | 290 | 10000 |
| 4 | M16, M21S, M55, M60 | 5050 | 300 | 10000 |
| 5 | W18, W20, W35, W40 | 3860 | 260 | 10000 |
| 6 | M65, W45, W50 | 3260 | 260 | 10000 |
| 7 | M70, W16, W21S, W55, W60, Green | 2460 | 210 | 10000 |
| 8 | M75, W65, W70 | 1940 | 150 | 10000 |
| 9 | M80, M85+ W75, W80, W85+ | 1260 | 90 | 5000 |
| 10 | M14, W14, Light Green | 2050 | 210 | 10000 |
| 11 | M12, W12, Orange | 1000 | 90 | 5000 |
| 12 | M10, W10, Yellow | 1220 | 65 | 5000 |
Courses 3 and 3.1 are the same.
The course lengths have been deliberately kept short because of the significant unavoidable climb on all courses. The planner has experienced snow, frost, fog, cold and wind….but refuses to go out in the rain. Please be prepared for whatever the weather decides. Whistles and waterproof coats will be compulsory as this is a mountain environment and you will not be allowed to start without the correct gear.
We are grateful to the many landowners who were willing to allow us access to their land.
There is a brand-new fence running north-south up the hill and understandably the farmer does not want us to cross it – so don’t.
It is marked with a solid red line on the map.
In the interests of maintaining excellent relationships with our land owners and farmers please report any damage to low walls and/or fences at download.
Be careful to differentiate the different levels of bogginess as mapped – or you may find yourself unexpectedly swimming.
Start times – will be allocated between 11:00 and 13:00. There is a 15-minute walk to the start so please leave time to get there for your exact start time. The finish is adjacent to the start and spare clothing can be left there.
Location – is at the ‘Equestrian Centre’ on the Slievenisky Road and will be signed from the Clonvaraghan Road.
Parking – Space is very tight so please car share where possible and follow the marshals’ instructions.
Toilets – There will be a portaloo provided. The closest public toilets are in Ballynahinch, Castlewellan or the Outlet at Banbridge.
Entries close – Sunday 25th February. Entry on the Day for Colour Classes only.
Location
Slieve Croob – Slievenisky
Slievenisky Road
Dromara
BT31 9LL
Volunteers
To volunteer at this event please email volunteer@lvo.org.uk. You can find information on each role here as well as the current list of volunteers.