Start Time Selection

Start time selection is now open and we are in the process of gradually sending out emails to allow people to choose their start times. Please note the following points:

1. General Rules

Start time selection is necessary for Age Class competitors for the main 5 days of competition and for the Rest Day Sprint..
While the system will allow you to select a start time for any Colour-Coded classes you have entered, it is not required (and we will disregard any selections made). These classes offer a free start on the day.
HOWEVER – see the Special Notes below for the two Elite classes, M21E and W21E.

2. Club Start Block System

Although we are trialling self-selection of start times, we are still using the club block start time system for the five main competition days.
You can find your club’s start blocks below. Start times for the main five days are between 10:00 and 13:59.

There are no allocated start blocks for the sprint race. Start times for the sprint are between 10:30 and 13:30.

The standard start window (10:00 – 13:59) is split into five equal time blocks:

• Block 1: 10:00 – 10:47
• Block 2: 10:48 – 11:35
• Block 3: 11:36 – 12:23
• Block 4: 12:24 – 13:11
• Block 5: 13:12 – 13:59

Each club is allocated a different block on each day, so over the five days, competitors will start in each of the different blocks. For clubs outside the UK, the allocation is based on the country of the club.

You must (except for the Permitted Exceptions, see below) choose a start time within your allocated block.

There is also a recommendation about whether to choose an even minute (e.g. 10:42) or an odd minute (e.g. 10:43). This applies to both the main five days and the sprint race. Please try to follow this recommendation.

3. Permitted Exceptions

You may choose a start time outside your allocated block only in the following circumstances:

• Parents or guardians caring for children, requiring split starts. One carer should start in the allocated block, the other outside of it. Refer to each day’s information (course lengths, walk distances to starts, etc.) to help you plan suitable gaps between starts.
• People travelling with members of a different club. Previously, there was an entry form option for “Start with other club.” Here, just choose to use the other club’s allocated block each day.
• Travel constraints, e.g. international flights.
  If your travel schedule requires it, you may adjust your start times. However, you should aim to give yourself enough time to arrive and orienteer within your allocated block on both your arrival and departure days.

4. Helpers

Helpers will be allowed a free start time for the age class courses on days that they are helping. but please still choose a start times in your allocated blocks.

ELITE CLASSES

1. WRE Event Days

On the two World Ranking Event (WRE) days (Day 4 and Day 5), start times for M21E and W21E classes will be allocated in July, based on IOF ranking points. It is not necessary to choose start times for these days. Any selections will be discarded.

2. Overall Placing

Overall placings for Elite classes (men and women) will be based on their total time over all five days.

Only Elite runners who successfully complete all five days will be included in the overall classification.

3. Start Block Requirements for Elite Runners

Elite runners who wish to be placed in the classification must self-select start times for the first three days, using a different elite start block each day:

• Elite Block 1: 10:00 – 11:19
• Elite Block 2: 11:20 – 12:39
• Elite Block 3: 12:40 – 13:59

CLUB BLOCK ALLOCATION