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Event Summary

Update 30 June 2026. The details below are now final.  Please also note that a tree has fallen down that affects the long course only.  It is passable and its location will be shown on a blank map at the start.

Welcome to event #3 in this year's Northern Orienteering Urban League, kindly sponsored by YourOMaps.  This time we will be returning to Fochabers.  The area is ideal for urban orienteering, offering a traditional grid structure of roads, some modern housing and a good path network.  The area was last used for an orienteering event 12 months ago.  The routegadget is linked here: 2025-06-18 Fochabers NOUL.

Two courses (long and short) have been planned which encounter estate roads that could be busy with other road users.  All competitors must check for traffic and other road users before crossing them.  Juniors under the age of 16 on the day of the event must be accompanied (rather than merely shadowed) by a responsible adult.  That adult will be responsible for their junior's safety.

This year's Series has six events, organised by BASOC, INVOC and MOR.  The event dates and locations are as follows:

  • Wednesday 17 June 2026 - Lochardil - INVOC.
  • Wednesday 24 June 2026 - Aviemore - BASOC. 
  • Wednesday 1 July 2026 - Fochabers - MOR.
  • Wednesday 5 August 2026 - Newtonmore - BASOC. 
  • Wednesday 26 August 2026 - UHI Raigmore - INVOC.
  • Wednesday 2 September 2026 - Burghead - MOR.

Series Coordinators: Andrew Campbell (MOR) (fixtures@mor.scot) and Colin Salisbury (INVOC) (colinsalisbury65@icloud.com).

Urban
Local
SI AIR
1745-1845 hours
1800-1900 hours
2000 hours
88585
On Leads
Online
SiEntries

Directions and Parking

Directions.  From the West and East, head along the A96 towards Fochabers.  From the western-most roundabout, continue into Fochabers and along the Main Street, past the co-op on your left.  Then take the first right by the chip shop and carry down the road for 250m.  The event registration/download will be in a car adjacent to the playing fields and toilet block.  From the eastern-most roundabout, continue into Fochabers and along the main street.  Turn left at the junction with the chip shop and follow the directions above.  

Parking.  Parking is available in the parking area past the toilets and next to the sports field (w3ws:///models.midfield.snares).  Please self park.   

Registration/Assembly.  The event registration will be from the back of a car by the sports field and toilets block. (w3ws:///prepared.daydreams.toolbar).

Toilets.  The nearest public toilets are by the sports fields (w3ws:///sulked.struck.exclusive).  

Start and Finish

Start.   The start will be a short (less than 200m) walk from registration.

Finish.   The finish will be adjacent to registration.

At registration

Courses

Two courses will be on offer:

  • Long: 6.3 km, 24 Controls (optimum route).
  • Short: 3.5 Km, 16 Controls (optimum route).

Competitors aged 16 and over can run any of the two courses on their own.  Juniors under the age of 16 on the day of the event must be accompanied (rather than merely shadowed) by a responsible adult.  That adult will be responsible for their junior's safety.  

Participants must report to download by 2000 hours, even if you retire.

Points awarded for each race and prizes after the final sixth of the Series.

Terrain

Planner's Notes

The village of Fochabers has a population of around 1,800 people. The village is split in half by a small burn that runs from the east to the west running into the river Spey down by the cricket pitch.  When you are out on your courses there are various road crossings, some of which may be busy.  Please also be aware of your surroundings, as it can be busy with dog walkers, cars and cyclists. Cross any road with due care and be careful going around buildings not to bump into anyone coming the other way.

The courses will be using (smaller) training kites to mark as control sites.  There will be an example of the controls at the start.

Courses will:

  • Route across the stream/river running south east-north west through the town.  The stream/river is out of bounds and must not be entered or crossed.  Participants must navigate over the stream/river using appropriate bridges. 
  • Encounter a number of uncrossable features, including a fence which will be marked on the map as uncrossable.  Please do not cross these features even if they look crossable on the ground.  Please ensure that you have reminded yourself of uncrossable features used in urban orienteering.  

Running shorts are permitted and road shoes recommended.  Please note that if the weather is particularly wet and windy, then a waterproof may be made compulsory (so please bring one!).

1:4000m, with 2.5m contours.

Entry Details

Entries:

  • Open online, via SI Entries, from Monday 11 May and will close at 2359 hours on Sunday 28 June 2026. 
  • Entries can also be edited/changed/cancelled until this closure again subject to map availability.
  • There will be limited entry on the day, subject to an extra £1 and map availability.

Entry Fees:

  • Senior Non-Member - £8.00.
  • Senior SOA Member - £7.00.
  • Senior BOF Member - £6.00.
  • Junior/Student Non-Member - £4.
  • Junior/Student Member - £3.

Sign up to all six events and receive a 10% discount:

  • Senior Non-member: £48 down to £43.20.
  • Senior SOA Member: £42 down to £37.80.
  • Senior BOF Member: £36 down to £32.40.
  • Junior/Student Non-member: £24 down to £21.60.
  • Junior/Student Member: £18 down to £16.20. 

Dibber Hire available - £1 (non-SI Air).

SiEntries

Final Details

Safety Information

  • Competitors take part at their own risk and are responsible for their own safety.
  • Juniors aged under 16 on the day of the event must be accompanied (rather than merely shadowed) by a responsible adult.
  • Participants are advised to be mindful of other competitors and users in narrow passageways (particularly entering them via a blind corner).
  • Participants are advised that the long and short courses will cross the main street passing west-east through Fochabers.  This street can be busy, so competitors are advised to be mindful of traffic and other road users and to cross with due care and attention.  'Caution runner' signs will be displayed on the main street to warn drivers of the presence of runners. 
  • Participants are advised of potential trip hazards, including tree roots, stony and broken ground, litter, kerbs and steps.
  • Participants are advised that courses will route across the stream/river running south east-north west through the town.  The stream/river is out of bounds and must not be entered or crossed.  Participants must navigate over the stream/river using appropriate bridges.   
  • Participants are advised that a waterproof may be made compulsory if inclement weather.  The organiser will update the event webpage and place a sign at the start and at registration, as required.

Event Officials

Andrew Campbell
Dougie Condy
fixtures@mor.scot
David Ritchie and Andrew Campbell

Ticks and Covid

Ticks

Risk Awareness:   Please be aware that ticks are common across many of the areas we run in and can carry infections such as Lyme Disease and Tick-Borne Encephalitis.  Ticks are active in the UK primarily from March to October, but year-round vigilance is recommended.

Prevention Strategies:   

  • Wearing full leg and abdomen cover in the forest.  
  • Applying insect repellent to exposed skin and clothing.
  • Checking yourself for ticks after your run.  Common areas for ticks include behind the knees, underarms, hairline, and any pressure points.
  • Considering vaccination against TBE, if visiting high-risk areas in Europe or Asia.

Tick Removal and Symptoms:   Consider using a tick removal tool to ensure the tick is removed quickly and completely.   If a tick has attached, it should be removed as soon as possible.

Health Action:  If symptoms develop, such as a rash or flu-like symptoms, individuals should seek medical advice promptly and mention the tick bite, as not all doctors may be familiar with the conditions.

Key Resources:

 

COVID-19 Guidance (Updated March 2025)

If you have symptoms of COVID or have tested positive to COVID, then do not attend the event or activity to help avoid spreading infection.