{"id":1296,"date":"2026-02-12T09:32:17","date_gmt":"2026-02-12T09:32:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jusmedia.co.uk\/sandbox\/?p=1296"},"modified":"2026-02-12T09:32:19","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T09:32:19","slug":"150-orienteers-take-on-kelham-island-in-urban-night-race","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jusmedia.co.uk\/sandbox\/2026\/02\/12\/150-orienteers-take-on-kelham-island-in-urban-night-race\/","title":{"rendered":"150 Orienteers Take on Kelham Island in Urban Night Race"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As dusk fell, 150 orienteers departed from the Fat Cat pub to take on the dimly lit streets of Kelham Island. The racers, young and old, using maps, compasses, and head torches, had until 8:45 PM to navigate the streets and finish their selected courses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Kelham Island night race is a yearly event, hosted by the South Yorkshire Orienteers, a club with members ranging in age from 5 to 85. The SYO frequently hosts events for newcomers and seasoned orienteers alike. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe sort of background for this is to help runners to be able to read maps,\u201d said Tim Tett, a member of the SYO since 1982, who has organized the event for the past 14 years.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He added, \u201cthe other events require you to be able read a map so this is a good introduction.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The event offered three courses, with varying distances and controls: the long course, at 7.3 km and 32 controls; the medium course, at 4.4 km and 20 controls; and the short course, at 2.5 km and 18 controls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The controls, or waypoints throughout the course participants must find using the map, were placed in various random locations such as alleyways and parking lots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A control located in an alleyway.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFor newcomers, go for the shortest course, they\u2019re generally but not always easiest,\u201d said Mr Tett. \u201cYou should contact the organizer to see which is easier.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First-time racer Jayden Jordan-Wells found the medium course to be \u201ctough but fun.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019d say this is definitely a good course for beginners,\u201d said Mr Jordan-Wells. \u201cMy advice to newcomers: Go with someone who knows how to read a map.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The course went through various landmarks in Kelham Island such as the River Don, the Kelham Island Tavern, and Edward Street park. The racers finished at the Fat Cat pub for a beer social.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThese orienteers come from all walks of life,\u201d said Mr Tett. \u201cI\u2019d describe them as being a bit eccentric. There\u2019s 4-5 year olds to people who go around with sticks aged 90 and above. The main thing is that it\u2019s a sport for all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At 8:45 PM the course closed and the race concluded, marking another successful night for this year\u2019s Kelham Island event, with many more to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u2018Late night rush!\u2019 Sheffield racers of the @SYOrienteers<\/a> take on Kelham Island for an urban night event tonight. \ud83c\udf03

More to come on the race soon.#festivaloftheoutdoors2025<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/KiOPXynJr8<\/a><\/p>— Tristan Borlongan (@TrBorlongan) March 11, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote>