Great turnout for season opening orienteering meet
Yukoners got into the spirit of national orienteering week Wednesday at Robert Service Campground.
This was the first Wednesday night meet of the season for the Yukon Orienteering Association, which attracted a number of keen participants, eager to get back into it.
A total of 60 individuals signed up for either the 2.9-km short course or the 4.9-km long course.
The short course was by far the biggest draw, featuring 41 competitors.
The Robert Service course features a semi-urban environment, offering the best of both worlds to orienteerers.
One of the advantages to using the campground this early on in the season is the lack of snow. It’s also one of the easier maps used during the season by the YOA.
Justin Scheck posted the top time in the short distance, finishing with a time of 24:03, while 12-year-old Pia Blake wasn’t far off, coming in at 26:04.
Blake was pleased about her time, but said it could have been better if she was more familiar with a sprint distance map.
Blake said she has been orienteering her whole life.
“If you count being a baby and riding around in your parent’s backpack while they orienteer, then I have been orienteering for 12 years, coming on 13,” she said.
Elizabeth Reid rounded out the top three, coming in at 29:28, while Cheylsea Mitchell placed fourth. Mitchell’s time was 31:32, which she said was OK.
“I think I could have run faster,” Mitchell said. “I was walking a lot of the time, but it’s my first one of the year.”
Gerry Whitley was also a participant in the short course. Whitley finished with a time of 41:20. He said everything was good, with the exception of the thorns on the rose bushes near some of the controls.
“I got a few scratches on my legs because I only wore shorts,” he said. “I thought there wouldn’t be so many roses, but it’s worth it, it’s fun.”
The top time in the long distance was posted by Brent Langbakk, who came in at 26:33, while Lee Hawkings crossed the finish line at 30:31. Forest Pearson placed third at 32:05.