JK Results

The JK this year was held in possibly the best terrain in the orienteering world, the wonderful Forest of Dean. The sun shone every day and there was some excellent spectating to be done.

Anticipating the swimming pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi at our accommodation at Whitemead, Parkend, the weekend got off to a good start for JOK with a win for Pippa Whitehouse on women’s elite at the park race around the University of the West of England, closely followed by Becky Carlyle in 5th place, just over a minute down on first but only 21 seconds down on 2nd.

Pippa, keen to pick up more free shoes, trotted home to a stunning 3rd place overall on W21E for the three days, surpassing boyfriend Duncan’s 6th on M21E. Unluckily this year, more JOKers were placed fourth than in any other position: Rachael Holmes on W21L, Graeme Ackland on M45L and Steve Wilson on M40S all just missed out on a podium finish. JOK junior thankfully provided us with a win in the form of Thomas Wilson on M10B. So, we could hold our heads up high on the relay day.

Filled to bursting on the Sunday evening with an excellent meal at a local pub in Parkend, JOK rolled over the start lines at Caerwent army camp on Monday and came back with a few more trophies. Congratulations to Liz Cross in the winning team on Women 120+ and Roger Thetford anchoring the winning team on Men 165+. Rachel Wilson also came back with a gong, part of the third placed team on Women’s Short.

Staying together, eating together on the Sunday night and having the tent up at the events helped make it a very sociable weekend. Anyone with good ideas for accommodation for next year’s JK get in touch with me or Nicky as the sooner we book something the better it’s likely to be!

Christine