Author: Graeme Francis

Looking for something to do on Father’s Day?Then look no further: What better way to spend the afternoon than with a spot of orienteering out in Orchard County, and with Edenvilla Park being only 5 mins from the M12 it’s easy to get to.Yes, it’s only a week now til 🏃‍♀️OCOUL 3🏃‍♂️, and this one promises to be fun for ALL the family ( as if the others weren’t!! ), and there could be more carnage than in Killing Eve 🤣As usual, 3 courses on offer with something suitable for everyone, be it kid, or ageing kid. All your precious ones get to Read More …

As many of you might suspect I need help, but no, I don’t mean me on this occasion.As you should hopefully know by now, because I’ve been plugging it enough, in a week and a half’s time a new Urban O Series commences in Portadown. As this has the potential to be a little bit bigger than usual, I won’t be able to run it all myself, and as such i’m looking for a small band of lovely volunteers to help me out on the day, either before or after your run. It won’t be anything too onerous: just a little help Read More …

The opening event of NI’s first Urban Orienteering League: The format – Middle Distance Urban – no nettles or brambles (unless you seek them out), little mud, and you can show off your legs if you wish. Courses: There will be three courses on offer so everyone is catered for whatever your ability and experience, be it complete beginner or NI Champion. For young kids under 13 and all family beginners; you get to play in the safe environment of the People’s Park. For 13-15 year olds who wish to run unaccompanied, and adult beginners / novices there is an Read More …

Orchard County Orienteers present : OCOUL 2019 What is it?? NI’s first Urban Orienteering League:7 races, 7 different maps, 5 scores to count, all in the ABC area.The format – Middle Distance Urban – no nettles or brambles ( unless you seek them out ), little mud, and you can show off your legs if you wish. Courses: 3 different classes: 12 & under, under 16’s, and Open, each split M/F with age class adjusted results so everyone starts on a level playing field. Scoring:Times will be adjusted per age class. Points will then be awarded according to how close you get Read More …

Anyone else fancy a dander round the City of Armagh on Sunday afternoon? For any one over 16 it’s a 5.5 km jaunt around the streets. For all other juniors, whatever your age, there will be a course for you around the grounds of the Planetarium and Royal School ( educational as well as fun 🙂 ), followed by some festive fayre. Fancy a run please let me know so that i can cater for you. P.S. Anyone seen not wearing a santa hat will be penalised a minute at the start.

Sadly, next Sunday sees the last Orchard County event of 2018. However, that can only mean one thing – it’s Christmas! So why not come and join us for a jaunt around the City of Armagh, followed by some festive fayre: Mince pies, mulled wine, satsumas, apple crumble ( just jesting… or am I??), and a Pac-man challenge. As usual, there will be something for everyone, beginners and experienced alike as we provide our last taster for the upcoming OCO Urban league. There will be 3 courses on offer as per Portadown. The courses will follow a middle distance urban format. Read More …

I hope you all enjoyed your runs on Sunday. I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who turned up, especially all my Southern visitors. You very nearly outnumbered those from the north. It’s just a shame the weather wasn’t nicer, but hopefully it didn’t detract too much from the enjoyment of your run. I’ve already noted that A3 may be the order of the day next time around. Not because we need to extend the map but just to keep some of you on it. I know everyone likes to analyse their runs these days so in keeping Read More …

Missing your fix of O? Well don’t worry, we haven’t finished for the year yet. Out here amongst the orchards we still have 2 events left before the Xmas break, and next up is this Sunday afternoon in Portadown where we have a Middle Distance Urban on offer. A new map and a new area to almost all. Enjoyed the Craigavon WEE? Or couldn’t make that event but heard how enjoyable it was? Well this will be right up your street ( sorry 🙂 ). For those of you who like urban events you can even treat this as a Read More …

Looking for something to do on Sunday? Worried that the season might be coming to an end? Never fear, we still have plenty on offer. Why not come and join us on Sunday afternoon in Kilbroney Forest Park. If you came to the Autumn Trophy event you’ll know how good the park is. If you didn’t attend before now is your chance. As well as the orienteering, there is also a coaching session beforehand on route choice for any juniors or novices looking to improve. All I would ask is that if you wish to attend either or both, please Read More …