Sydney Summer Series

LAMPS ON AT LUNA

After missing the first two Autumn Evening events, it was a pleasure to run 'Luna Park' last night to conclude this small night series. Kelly and Dan Dohle set a top challenge that saw a nice spread from the Prime Minister to Harry Seidler. About 75 punters saddled up it seemed - and on a perfect night. The views of the city along the run to 23 and the Luna Park boardwalk were spectacular indeed, as was the full on vista of the Opera House you got running downhill to #1. Top stuff from first time setters, so congratulations to KD and DD. We loved it.

Not sure of scoring, but no doubt several 500 plus runners out there - including Wendy 'The Stevedore' Stephenson. I managed a tidy 450 with the hand in cast and got back three early. Should have added #7 on the return but thought there might be a bush trap there (Wendy similarly shy of this one). My sweep, for what it's worth, began via 3,15,25 and around the Kirribilli circuit with a few in-out's to 23,14,5,12 and the bay with a little flog up the steps to 8 and 28 and the dash home via 27 and 17. Nice running in one of our favourite venues.

I heard that Sue Thomson (one of our Summer Series legends in every sense) had a fall near #25 and hope she made it back ok. This close up 'getting to know your neighbourhood' stuff is going too far Sue - but we all hope your ok.

SSS - THE WRAP

Given I'm working the old keyboard with a Reschs in mind, I might just wrap up our 09/10 SSS season and put the Summer Series baby to bed for a few months.

I think everyone would agree we had a cracker season in 09/10 (our 19th). Entries totaled over 5,000 for the first time (5,127) from another record field - 786 individual runners (nearly 20% up from last year). Group entries were also well up (313 from 245) although our walking category didn't seem to fire as we had anticipated (we will do more 'power walking' promotion next year). Dave McKenna did another sterling job with the results, recording amongst a welter of data that runners made 87,237 control site visits this season! Big thanks Dave, and also to Dave Noble - our web site man.

The seasons 'loneliest pot' was #30 at Lake Parramatta (with only 5 visitors), with the least lonely being Larry's #23 at Brickmakers Creek (90 runners giving it the eyeball). Our biggest roll up was also at Brickmakers with 233 entries, and our smallest at Parramatta City with 163. We averaged just under the 200 per event. Not bad huh.

There were some enthralling contests within the series - particularly in OM and OW (Richard Green and Steve Ryan - Gill Fowler and Lisa Grant) and in the Masters Men group. Here they fought to the end with Glenn, Michael, Peter, Tim and Kar-Soon all only seconds apart. Fantastic to watch, as was the Vets with Eoin and Mal chasing 'The Burton', and the Legends with Heiko and Ron wielding the walking frames. Magic. These are only the top placings of course, many more tight ones were played out down the lists. Check the full results to see who was also on the strangle (all on the web site).

Looking forward will see another 26 event programme for our twentieth season, commencing on October 6. There are already hints of new areas and maps to look forward to, and the return of a few more unloved beasties. You can bet the harbour will feature, as will venues with excellent 'apres-O' facilities. I'll be working on the programme in June and will post a teaser as the start date gets closer. In the meantime, consult the Orienteering Association link and get into the real stuff - bush orienteering !!! Lots on most weekends to test and extend the SSS skills, so I hope to see you there.

Finally, big thanks to all setters and club organisers for making 09/10 such a bang. More of the same I'm hearing. Yes indeed, more, more, more. October is just around the corner.