Valentine Hunt
Woodland Trails Scout Reservation
Feb. 12, 2017
For the first time in at least 12 years we had mild weather for the Valentine Hunt. The crocii were in bloom. The day before, the day of control placement, the temperature was in the 60s; it was cooler the day of the event, but still mostly sunny. The only negative condition was that the ground was soft and slowed the runners crossing the fields.
We had 56 starts and about 65 orienteers.
On the signature Valentine's Hunt “Purple Heart” course, veteran Ben H. lead the field, while Stephanie R. was the women's leader only 25 minutes behind Ben.
On the Green course, high school varsity runner Jamie R won decisively, with a repeat his Green triumph at last year's Valentine Hunt. Chiori S. was the fastest woman on Green.
The Orange course was slightly difficult this year if the times are any indication. The young runners claimed they had no problems with navigation; however, their times were slower than the runners on Green and Purple. This probably means that they took conservative routes thus losing time to the more daring (experienced) orienteers. Skyler H completed the course in under one hour. Priscilla K, moving up to Orange for the first time, was the fastest girl.
The yellow course leader was Jordan H. another repeat winner from last year. The fastest women on yellow were a group led by Susan B.
The results on White were a repeat slate from last year: Jordan H winning the course, but Jon R winning the age-group crown.
There were no problems reported.
Thanks to Mike Minium and Matt Bond for help with registration, and to Matt Bond, Jordan Hertel, Skyler Hertel, Ben Hart, Stephanie Ross and Mike and the Union County Orienteering Team for control pickup.
Tom Svobodny
Meet Director