GHO Sweep at Thomass Hilton Falls

As winter approaches its end, so does the 2006/07 Thomass winter orienteering series. Sunday's race, hosted by the Waterloo Stars, was held on GHO's Hilton Falls West map - the same area used for the North American Champs training last fall. Participants enjoyed sunshine, open forest, and a crusty snow surface that made running off-trail easier than usual in this area.

After an 800 m hike to the start location, the race began with a small map that had a Waterloo star-shaped race course. Participants fanned out from a central point to do several 1- or 2-control butterfly loops based on their handicaps, visiting a maximum of 7 controls. After completing that, they were handed a second map with the rest of the race course. There was a 7-control Thomass Box, then several controls leading racers back to the finish line at the road. Conditions were fast, and most participants chose routes that involved a lot of trail running, so it wasn't a race that provided many places to rest.

GHO swept the podium, with Barb Campbell squeaking into 1st place at about 38 minutes, just ahead of Mark Adams, with a body check between the two runners near the finish control as they ran around a car in opposite directions! Hans Fransson arrived shortly afterward to claim 3rd place in less dramatic fashion.

The Waterloo Stars provided refreshments of apples and drinks. Thanks to Axis Gear, who supplied prizes for the event.

The final Thomass event of the season will be held this Saturday, March 24 at Mt. Nemo, and will be followed by the Orienteering Ontario Annual General Meeting at Brookville.