Preliminary work for the Trail O course took place a month before the actual event and all the planning went well. On the Friday the organisers of the event met up, set out the course with the flags and also a large tent from where folk could enter.

Being in a large field just before Culbin Woods, the tent looked conspicuous by its size. But on the Saturday morning, the field was filling up with competitors for the main orienteering event. Waiting to help us were members from the local Nairn Rotary club, who proved to be very willing, able and above all, friendly.

As the Trail O was an event in its own right, the organisation and planning was key to its success. With the Rotary club members helping with things like the parking, assisting anyone who needed help, and the whole event went very smoothly thanks to them.

Usually, the Trail O event is tucked away, out of sight, but this event was very different and the number of competitors and the amount of general interest expressed meant that the location was spot on.

The event attracted the regular competitors, but also, one or two who were keen to apply their orienteering skill. In addition to orienteers, members of the public also had a go proving that the sport is suitable for just about everyone. This was managed with the assistance of John Crosby who took non orienteers out to explain symbols and the ‘part of’s’ which enabled people to engage in this inclusive event.

The course was set out over about 1.2 kilometres and had 14 control points. The average time to get round was about 45 minutes and the average score around the 8 mark. The aim of the course was to promote Trail O and try and introduce it to a wider audience. Taking your time and studying a map is not always as easy as you may think and it may help improve your orienteering skills. By getting to grips with the map orientation and symbols in Trail O can only help you when running.

The feedback was positive from everyone. It was said that doing the Trail O course, helped prepare and focus the mind for the main event. Certainly, if Trail O can be held in such a close proximity to the main event in future, then you should give it a go. Because of the nature of Trail O, it is suitable for just about all abilities and anyone waiting, such as family or friends, they would be more than welcome to enter on the day.

The event saw an eclectic mix of people competing, from young families, to wheelchair users, to experienced orienteers. Even one of the main event organisers had a go! You can take the sport as seriously as you like. There are a few competitions in the UK and even more overseas.

Next time you see Trail O, you should give it a go…see if you can get more than half right – if you can, well, that is pretty good. If I can get my husband to have a go there should be no need to find excuses not trying!