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More entries and more success in the Southern 50/50

On 17 February four teams, all containing 7th Woking members, set out to complete the extremely arduous "Southern 50/50" race across the Chiltern Hills. The competition is run by the Greater London North Venture Scouts and is open to all members of the Scout or Guide Movements over the age of 14 years. It consists of 2 parallel races, one over 50 kilometres and the other over 50 miles. These are both run as non stop events, with a maximum of 24 hours to complete, aiming to provide a test of good orienteering skills as well as physical ability.
 

Local knowledge is not a help as the route is not disclosed until the day of the competition. Thus, all teams start with exactly the same chance of winning a trophy (only if you've trained of course!).

The event proved to be just as hard as it sounds. The teams were released into the wild blue yonder at different times, starting from 06.00 in the morning. Although the weather could not have been better, conditions underfoot were damp to say the least. This year's route was particularly rough on the feet as minor roads were used to avoid areas of land that were totally underwater.

The teams all made excellent progress, although eventually the distance took it's inevitable toll. All those that competed were a credit to 7th Woking and learnt a great deal from the experience. Congratulations to:
 

James L, Barry F, John H and Michael H - all entering for the first time (more photos here).

 

Daniel M, Ansel R, Nick O (Sheerwater), and James A (Horsell) - who became the youngest team ever to complete the event (more photos here).

Elly B - entering and completing the 50 mile course for the first time.
 

Steve Britain, Richard Sutcliffe (Send), Stuart Linnell and Kevin Metcalfe - who managed to complete as a team for their first time and came a creditable 11th out of 33 (more photos here).

Special congratulations to Frances Goldstone (District Venture Scout Leader and honorary member of 7th!), who completed the course yet again.

What is even more remarkable is that many of those above say they will do it all again next year - the blisters and the pain are already a distant memory!