The Orion 15

Bean when you run as slow as I did, you dont get champagne!! Ha ha that'll teach me, don't know what happened out there on saturday but was I slow!!

Bill actually told the marshalls to pack up and I was still out!

told you I was slow......

James P - I think I heard that, having recently made it across in to the forest on the other side.

ORB - champagne is always good but so is the location of your clubhouse. If you get turfed out of there here's hoping your new one is as good.

 And another good thing I forgot to mention - small numbers! As a small female I hate trying to attach a large papery thing to my frontage. 

Hi folks.  Just in case you are interested we are introducing a series of smaller races on Saturday mornings in the summer....

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/robert.jousiffe/oriongrandprix/summerseriesinfo.htm

Hope to see you all there.  Email me if you need more info or just look on the site!

 Cheers 

ORB (Andrew)

Hi

Can any locals let us know what the terrain is like i.e. should I get some trail shoes or will regular running shoes be ok?

Thanks

SB - usually ORB can be counted on to respond but presumably he's busy organising.

I did this last year in similar weather, though if it rains all the way through Thursday / Friday it may get somewhat squelchier. The terrain is tracks (some quite narrow) through forest and some field / grassy areas, there are  muddy bits in both but no real quagmires. The only roads are briefly crossed in the face of Essex motorists. There are  ups and downs though none are too long.  IMO it can be done in road shoes, particularly if dry., though you may get  a bit muddy. Depends really on whether you are planning more off road events where trail shoes might be an investment.

Are there any water stations en route or will I need to bring my own to carry?

 Thanks

SB - there's one drinks station, around mile 9

Early? bird - if you talk nicely to ORB I'm sure he'll take entries on the day

I was out in the forest last weekend and most of the rides were firm and dry, but the course isn't all on the rides!

Orion being Orion there's guaranteed to be some squidgy bits, if not I'm asking for my donation back!

 see you all there

There's only one water station mentioned on the directions but I haven't done this one before so I don't know if its on one of the bits where the course loops back on itself.

Oh, and don't forget the pub at the start/finish...

For what its worth I'm going for studs - its already a bit damp and more rain forcast for tonight/tomorrow. Hopefully lots!

SB - signposting unlikely, particularly as runners aren't allowed to park in the Royal Forest car park. Parking is recommended in nearby roads including Bury Road. The Orion Harriers website has a bit more information  including a map link http://www.orionharriers.org.uk/hq.htm

The Royal Forest Hotel, at the back of which  you will find the start, is a whopping great half-timbered pub / hotel on Rangers Road approximately 10 minutes very straightforward walk from Chingford station so if you aim for Chingford you can't go too far wrong. Bury Road is even nearer the station.

 I seem to recall 2 water stations last year but it is cups  not bottles so you may want to bring some of of your own if you think you need more hydration. 

 I'm going for my light, not overly grippy trail shoes cos I'm saving the road shoes for the Hastings half on Sunday

Thanks for all your efforts ORB, and to any other unidentified orionites!

I appreciate a bit more what goes into it after shambles of a race yesterday!

How was training? You still dizzy?!