Orienteering a smash-hit

Treasure awaits… but only if you can find it in complete darkness, without a path and only a map to guide you. And why not make it a race against time so you can make it really challenging?

Hosted by the Rand Athletic Club Orienteers in partnership with In-Reach, the Treasure Run@Ruimsig was held with smashing success, as night running and orienteering came together on the golf course at Ruimsig Country Club on 1 April.

More than 100 runners and walkers took on three courses – 3km, 3.6km and 4.3km – whereby participants were given smart cards that registered arrival at 38 different checkpoints with emitting systems scattered across the golf course. Times were recorded, as participants had to reach each checkpoint in the specific course, armed only with a map and a head torch, in a particular sequence.

Families and young children even had a blast running, stumbling and turning back around the other way again, finding the hidden treasures.

“It was hard to find yourself on the map,” explained Stephen Kassier. “But it was a true adventure and I had a good time even though I am unfit.”

Christie Courtnage has been doing orienteering for 10 years. “The course was very nice compared to others,” she said. “There are not many paths, which makes it tough and I often ran into rough terrain and found some lost golf balls.”

The athletic club’s event organiser, Pat de Klerk said the run was the third in the club’s Urban Golf Course Night Series, with the final to be held at The Wanderers Golf Club on 8 April.

“Orienteering is a personal challenge,” he said. “You must judge the terrain, decide on a route and follow it. It exercises the mind and body.”

Details: Rand Athletic Club Orienteers pwimb@telkomsa.net

Edited by Beryl Knipe