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Brandywine proves O'Challenging

The annual Brandywine O’Challenge orienteering races last weekend were a success, with events on Saturday and Sunday drawing more than 50 competitors – not bad considering the event had to compete with a popular competition on the North Sho

The annual Brandywine O’Challenge orienteering races last weekend were a success, with events on Saturday and Sunday drawing more than 50 competitors – not bad considering the event had to compete with a popular competition on the North Shore that switched dates at the last moment.

"It was a great event, the weather was good, and everyone was enjoying the racing," said event organizer Jackie Slavenova of Ultimate Outdoor Adventures.

"One said it was one of the most challenging competitions she had been in outside of events at the world level."

The classic orienteering competition on Saturday challenged participants to locate a number of control points along a course in the fastest time.

In the women’s Beginner category, Sharon Viner completed the 4.2 km course in one hour, 22 minutes and 28 seconds. She was followed by Janice Gray in 1:46:58, and Valerie Thompson in 1:49:19.

In the men’s Beginner race, Justin Harman finished in 1:26:00. He was followed by Nelson Yu in 1:30:00 and Graeme Rennie in 1:31:19.

In the women’s Intermediate category, which featured a longer and more challenging 5.7 km course, Kathrin Mueller took the win in 2:27:27. She was followed by Teri Gambrel almost two hours later in 4:17:43. None of the other athletes in the category finished.

In the men’s Intermediate race, Norm Richard was the lone finished in 2:02:20.

In the women’s Advanced race, Marie-Catherine Bruno finished the 8.6 km race in 2:40:06.

Magnus Johansson finished the men’s Advanced course in 1:50:00. Mike Ackerfeldt was second in 2:14:36, and Scott Flavelle third in 3:05:35.

In the Rogaine event on Sunday, which challenged competitors to locate control points in a four-hour time limit, Brian Augustine was the top solo male, earning 630 points.

Don Barthel was second with 520 points, and Roger Lee was third with 513.

Kathrin Mueller was the lone solo female, earning 300 points.

In the team of two category, Bob Hodgins and Jules Pryma earned 580 points. Mike Anderson and Ian Braby earned 469, and Chris and John Oran earned 460.

For those who couldn’t make the event last weekend, Ultimate Outdoor Adventures is hosting a beginner’s clinic this Saturday, followed by a race at 2 p.m. To register for the clinic or the race, contact Jackie Slavenova at 604-671-2931.

For more information, visit www.uoa.ca.