THE first ever urban orienteering event in Warminster saw 135 runners tackle one of eight different courses around the streets, shopping centres and open land in the west Wiltshire town.

The competition was organised by Sarum Orienteers and planner Carolyn Dent provided some taxing challenges for competitors on a sunny Sunday.

The men’s open course saw Tom Dobra (M21) of Bristol University OC complete the 7.3k course in just 42 minutes and 36 seconds - just over a minute ahead of Mark Burley (M21) of Bristol OK.

Jane Baldock (W21) of BOK won the women’s open course just 11 seconds ahead of Jo Pickering of Wimborne. The Women’s veteran race was won by Wendy Bullen (WIM), Lucy Paton (Souther Navigators) was leading women’s super vet and Sue Hands (WIM) the women’s ultra vet. The junior women’s race was won by Ella May Rush (W10; BOK), two minutes ahead of Lucy Wilkinson (W14; Sarum), who beat fellow club member Matilda Thirkell (W12) by two seconds. Paul Gebbet (M45; BOK) was leading men’s vet, best men’s super vet was Alun Jones (M60; Thames Valley OC) and Philip Gristwood (M60; Mole Valley) best Men’s Ultra Vet.

Barney Steventon-Barnes (M12; SUFFOC) won the junior men’s class with father, Jeremy, winning the adult novice course.