SPUNCH 5 Huish Champflower
Wednesday 9th September
Entries close 23:59 on Sunday 6th September
A special countryside score race designed to bridge the gap between runners and orienteers. A score course using MapRun using an Ordnance Survey base map with a mass start.
For our next SPunch event we head to the headwaters of the River Tone on Eastern Exmoor.
How it Works:
Just before you leave to come to the event, download the 'MapRun' app to your smartphone. Press 'select event' - UK - Somerset - SPunch - 2026. Load the event onto your device..
When you tap Go to Start, you will be presented with a countdown to the start.
At 1745, ie 15 minutes before the start, the map and controls will appear on your screen.
At 1800 the start will automatically punch and your time begins. Unless you are still driving in and are over 1km away, so lets hope that doesn't apply to anyone.
Do a quick check that the start has punched (turned green) on your screen and off you go. You have 60 or 90 minutes depending on which course you have chosen to visit as many checkpoints as possible.
At the end of your run, whether it is before or after the time limit, you must punch the finish. It will then attempt to upload your results automatically. If you don't have a good data signal, eg. you have data turned off, this will fail. When you get to a good signal or wifi, manually upload.
All checkpoints are worth 20 points. You will lose 10 points for every 1 minute (or part of) you go over the time limit!
Spunch is a concept devised by Andy Thornton of MDOC, designed to bridge the gap between runners and orienteers. Studies have shown that one of the biggest blockers to runners participating in an orienteering event is the unfamiliarity with the map, and SPUNCH deals with this by using an Ordnance Survey basemap.
SPUNCH uses the app 'MapRun', which is essentially a GPS treasure hunt app. Turn up your volume and when you run through a checkpoint, you get a satisfying 'ping'. You have 50 checkpoints to choose from and your goal is to visit as many as possible in your allotted time. The events are based around rural villages with high footpath density and the courses are set over a variety of lanes and public rights of way. SPUNCH allows you to discover lovely paths and tracks with great views. It can be done solo, in a pair or as a group. Walk or run, the choice is yours! Newcomers are welcome and there will be help to hand on the day to get you started. Suitable for all ages and abilities and great for family and friends too.
For more details on how SPUNCH works, please see the event webpage.
Senior: £6.00
Junior/Student: £4.00
Student
Entry Fee: £4.00
Juniors are under 16 on race day.
Under 16s cannot run unaccompanied due to the occasional presence of cars in the course area.
You must not attend if you or a member of your household has COVID-19 symptoms, if you have been asked to isolate by NHS Test and Trace, or if you are required to quarantine having been on holiday.
Please make yourself aware of and abide by the Quantock Orienteers Participant Code of Conduct.
Under-16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult due to the large number of road crossings.
Results will be available on the MapRun app in real time.
