CowieWed 27 Aug
FVO Urban Series
Each Urban event in our summer series has a Short (usually 2-4km optimal distance) and Long course (usually 3-5km optimal distance). It's likely that under 16s will require an adult who is prepared to take responsibility for safe road crossings on the Short and Long courses at most urban events. Please check with the organiser whether this applies in this event. There may also be a traffic-free course suitable for solo juniors at some urban events..
All courses are suitable for beginners and families to do together, ask at registration if you would like advice on map symbols, which are slightly different for urban than for forest orienteering.
Results from this series of events are used for league placings. The series was previously called Sprint, however has been rebranded as Urban to make it clearer to newcomers that sprinting is optional (i.e. many club members walk, jog or run these courses).
Local event
Local events are competitive but low key and in the 'localised' area, often on a Wednesday evening or a weekend morning. Try O events are local events tailored to anyone new to the sport, with coaches on hand for advice and tips. Open to all ages, abilities and fitness levels, learn to use a map and compass to navigate round short courses.
Training events are non-competitive and used for training and coaching. These are aimed at members of the club, but non-members and newcomers are also welcome. Social events are non-orienteering activities, with the annual highlight being our Awards Evening and ceilidh!
Regional events attract participants from around the local region, National events are high quality competitions that will attract people from far away, and Major events are large competitions such as a British Championships or the JK.
Terrain: Urban
Results
League tables (after 3 rounds)
Pre-event Information
Location Info
/-3.8731,56.079,11/500x400?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoicGF1bGZyb3N0IiwiYSI6ImNtMml0emVpODBtMjAyaXNhNmthNW1oMnEifQ.P6n-xW89MfoytQ4_n7dxPQ)
Near: Cowie Lat,Lng: 56.079,-3.8731 Postcode: FK7 7BP
Open an interactive map in: GoogleMap - OpenStreetMap - AppleMaps - BingMap
Directions & Parking
Principal parking at Cowie Bowling Club, opposite the entrance to the board factory. If this is full, there is overspill parking at St Margaret's RC Primary School, on the west side of the main street. Please don't park on the eastern side of the main street, which is within the competition area. Details here
If coming by public transport, the 56 bus from Stirling will take around 25 minutes to get to Cowie. Timetable here. Alternatively, the 38 bus between Stirling and Falkirk sets down in Plean, which is around 2km away
Map & Terrain
1:5000 ISSprOM2919-2 with 2.5m contours. Drawn 2015 by Graham Gristwood, with minor updates 07/25 by Joe Hudd
Course Information
With the British Sprint Championship later in the week, this event will feature Sprint-spec courses, rather than Urban.
Long - 3.5km, 45m climb
Short - 2.8km, 35m climb
Novice - 1.5km, 20m climb
Courses almost entirely on hard surfaces - dob spikes not recommended.
All distances "straight line"; "optimal route" liable to be longer.
Courses are suitable for U16 competitors without a Shadow, provided the mandatory crossings are used on the B road. Competitors may examine the map in advance before determining whether a Shadow is required.
There is a small "out of bounds" area overprinted on the map near the church, where the former priests' house has been sold into private hands. Please respect the privacy of the new owners by not entering their property!
Entry Details
Enter here. Guaranteed entries close 0930 on 26/08, with a surcharge thereafter for entries, subject to available maps.
Registration & Start times
Start any time between 1730 and 1900. Courses close 1945
Facilities
Nearest public toilet is at Moto Services, J9 of the M9 (approx. 3 miles away).
Start and finish are in a public park; no indoor changing, but bags may be left at the start, which will be manned throughout the event.
Safety Notes
Long and Short courses will cross a B road through the middle of the village. There are (marked) zebra crossings on direct routes, which should be used by U16s. The entire area has a 20mph speed limit. Novice course entirely within a residential area, although there may be slow-moving traffic entering and leaving housing.
Be aware of other users of the area, including pedestrians, cyclists and dog-walkers. There are a number of narrow passageways in the eastern part of the area, which are viable running routes in both directions. Take particular care in this area not to collide with another participant or a resident.
Dog restrictions
No restrictions. Any dogs present on the course will be expected to carry and utilise their own SI card.
Contacts & Officials
Steve Scott (email hidden; JavaScript is required)