The 2013 South African Orienteering Championships consisting of a Middle distance, a Long distance, and a Relay were held in the Western Cape and were greatly enjoyed by all. The Middle distance took place at Eikenhof Dam, Grabouw and the Long distance and Relay were held at Hawequas Forest, near Paarl.
There were many wonderful performances by orienteers of all ages. Congratulations to young Timothy Chambers who.at the age of 16, won the M21 trophy for the long distance.. Stephanie Courtnage took the honours in the W21 category with a very competitive run in the rough terrain of the Hawequas forest.
The relay was won by RACO – with team members Paul Wimberley, Nico van Hoepen and Timothy Chambers. There was also an impressive performance by Heather Wimberley, a W12 runner who came in third on the first leg of the relay.
Many thanks to the planners and controllers: Kobus Coetzee, Margaret Archibald, Helen Kleynhans and Ruedi Siegenthaler, and the organisers: Kathie Troost, Neville Stocks, Ake Fagereng and Bruce Meier, as well as the many other helpers who contributed to the success of the event.
Congratulations to Kobus Coetzee of PenOC who was awarded the Silva Trophy for his contribution to orienteering in South Africa.
Finally, thank you and congratulations to all of the participants who made the effort to take part in this annual event. We look forward to seeing you all in KwaZulu-Natal for the 2014 installment of the National Championships.