Race update: Nov 15th
We’re excited to host the first race of the season at Kelso tomorrow and it’s shaping up to be a fun, hopefully challenging course with a few hills and some picturesque lookouts There will be two O-Cup boxes which contain seven Checkpoints in each. Depending on your handicap each racer will be allowed to drop a certain amount of Checkpoints per O-Cup box (except of course the 0 handicap). If this is your inaugural race, you can take an additional one handicap but please remind us at check-in.
Here are a few things to consider before the Kick-Off tomorrow:
Timing: Registration opens around 9:30 am between the Visitors Center and Halton Museum on the west side of the park. The race will begin at 11 am with an average finishing time expected around 90 minutes and a course cut-off of 2 hours.
Weather: If you were hoping for ski-like conditions you may be disappointed as there isn’t much snow in the forecast. The temperature is forecasted to be around 0C at race time. Trails are in great conditions with lots of leaf cover while the forests are wide open (well at least above the ground).
Pre-race: Please make sure to check in at registration, sign the waiver, pick-up your SI (or if you bring your own provide the number) and confirm your handicap. Maps will be handed out 5-10 minutes before the race begins.
Distance: Handicap 6: Estimated around 6 km, Handicap 0: Estimated around 11km.
Rules: Please ensure to cross the railway tracks via the bridge or the tunnel only and use a bridge for any water crossings as water levels are currently high. Keep in mind that there is a two hour maximum so please make your way to the finish at that time.
Handicap:
Handicap Category
6 Women 12 or younger, Men 12 or younger, Women 65 or older
5 Women 14 or younger, Men 14 or younger, Women 55 or older, Men 75 or older
4 Women 16 or younger, Men 16 or younger, Women 45 or older, Men 65 or older
3 Women 19 or younger, Women 35 or older, Men 55 or older
2 Women 20 to 34, Women in the top 10 of Canadian orienteering rankings, Men 45 or older
1 Men 19 or younger, Men 35 or older
0 Men 20 to 34, Men ranked in the top 10 of Canadian orienteering rankings
Post-race: We will have chilly and snacks along with some warm beverages available. If anyone would like to check out Rad Brothers in town (
www.theradbrothers.com) at 550 Ontario St, Milton - L9T 5E4 please let us know so we can advise how many people to expect.
Prizing: A number of local businesses have generously donated prizes for the event which we will draw for at the conclusion of the race. Don’t forget to pick up a raffle ticket!
Unfortunately, there is a glitch so I’m currently unable to access email addresses for all those who have registered so if you wouldn’t mind passing this on to anyone you know who’s going to attend, it would be appreciated.
Big thanks to all of the volunteers involved in setting up and hosting the event along with local businesses - Rad Brothers, Milton Bistro, Mill Town Cycle, Studio Hair Design along with a few private donations.
See you tomorrow morning and let us know if you have any questions!
Chris Laughren
Course Setter - Guelph Gators