The West Midlands League event at Hartshill Hayes Country Park, near Nuneaton, was popular with Midlands runners, including many new families. On the shorter course, Imogen Allen W10 of Walton Chasers finished first in 21.05 minutes. Rookie Philip Ainsley M21 completed the 2.1km yellow course in 18.32 minutes. Newcomer Radovan Pekarovic U35 finished 1st on the Orange 2.7km course in 35.48 minutes and junior Rupert Powell U12 finished 4th in 51.44 minutes. The winner in 38.04 minutes on the 3.2km Light Green course was Oscar Barnby M14 of Walton Chasers and Sian Gardner W60 was 2nd in 57.34 minutes.

Bob Brandon M70 ran the 3.3km Short Green course which won in 44.27 minutes and Roger Hailey M80 finished 4th in 57.41 minutes. Another great victory was won by U16 Luke Cherry on the 4.3km Green course in 40.57 minutes, Kirsten Strain W21 was 2nd in 43.20 minutes and Florence Lunn W16 3rd in 46.08 minutes. Chris McCartney M50 won the 8.2km blue course in 47.31 minutes, Tom Jeffries M50 was 2nd in 49.02 minutes and Andy Emmerson M60 3rd in 51.12 minutes. Mike Barnby U40 of Walton Chasers won the Brown 8.2 km course in 63.32 minutes, Felix Lunn U18 was 2nd in 67.16 minutes and Alistair Powell U40 3rd in 67.31 minutes.

British Orienteering has announced the GB Squad senior international team for 2020. The club congratulates Will Gardner who will join the 23 other UK athletes, 14 men and 10 women. Team athletes will be selected to compete in international events – World Championships, World Cups, European Orienteering Championships, World Games and World University Championships.

Octavian Droobers welcomes newcomers of all skill levels to this fun outdoor adventure sport, runners and walkers, of all ages 5 to 85, to its next event on Saturday February 15 at Everdon Stubbs, near Daventry . A variety of course lengths ranging from 1.5 km to 5 km through the woods have been planned. Families particularly enjoy this activity because it is often likened to a treasure hunt. One advantage is that it is not necessary to pre-reserve your place, you just have to show up, anytime between 10am and 12pm, instructions will be given and compasses can be borrowed. For more details, see www.octavian-droobers.org or call 01926 632189.