A TOTAL of 135 runners competed in Warminster’s first urban orienteering event on Sunday (April 17).

The competition was organised by the Sarum Orienteering Club, based in Salisbury, and the route was planned by Carolyn Dent.

Many of the competitors saw this as an opportunity to practise for the highly anticipated Salisbury City Urban Race, which takes place on November 5.

Peter Hambleton, one of the event organisers, said: “It was great to have so many people turn up to the first urban orienteering event in Warminster.

“When we were setting up, lots of people asked what was going on and seemed interested as they walked past, which was also encouraging.

“Orienteering is a great event for all ages as it involves using your brain to work out the best possible route and your fitness to get there in the quickest possible time.

“The course was very well planned and seemed to go down well with all of the competitors.”

The Men’s Open course saw Tom Dobra, of Bristol University Orienteering Club, complete the 7.3km course in just 42:36, just over a minute ahead of Mark Burley of Bristol Orienteering Klub.

Jane Baldock of Bristol Orienteering Klub, won the Women’s Open course, just 11 seconds ahead of Jo Pickering of Wimborne.

For more information on Sarum Orienteering Club, visit www.sarumo.org.uk