Virtual Run Challenges

Anytime (virtual) Run Challenges

Principle:

To provide running challenges that runners can do at any time (individually or with others). A set of results is produced and constantly updated with new times. Runners can compare their time with others.

Unlike some virtual runs, these run challenges are on a predetermined course which runners must follow.

There is no course signage on the routes. The routes may cross roads. Individuals take responsibility for their own safety and must make their own arrangements for hydration and nutrition on the course and getting themselves back to their car safely in case of injury/bad weather.

Runners find their way around with:

The MapRun app for mobile phone that shows the route and where they are on the route

1/ Speech House 5. This is a MapRun route.

It's an easy 5 mile trail run in the Forest of Dean. One where you can use your phone to navigate the route and one where your time is automatically recorded.

You can do it at any time. You can do it by yourself or with friends.

It’s free - and so is the car parking – next to the Speech House

The route is all on wide smooth forest fire track type trails - no roots and stones.

You just need to download an app onto your phone. Then before you leave home download the map too. When you get to the car park you start up the app and make your way to the start.

The app starts timing as soon as you pass over the start line and beeps to let you know you’ve started. On your phone there will be a very simplistic map showing the tracks around you and the route you need to take. The beauty of this app is that it also shows where you are on the map (represented by a blue dot on the screen), so If you do take a wrong turn at any point, you’ll be able to see your error and change course.

There are 5 checkpoints along the route. As you pass by each, the phone emits a beep and times how long it took you to get there. At the finish the app records your overall time and uploads your result to an overall table of results.

It’s a bit like doing a race… but you do it when you want and with whoever you want. And you can do it as many times as you like, so if your 1st attempt wasn’t as quick as you’d like then just try again another time.

As well as being a good activity in it’s own right this would be particularly good for anyone wanting to improve (or start off) their understanding of map reading.

What to do:

Download the app from your fav place:

Google Play - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=au.com.fne.maprunf

Apple - https://apps.apple.com/au/app/maprunf/id1468994114

or search for MaprunF, by FNE Enterprises

You’ll need to set up the app with your personal details then download the map at home (don’t try at the venue as there is no mobile signal). To get the map onto your phone click:

Select Event - MR UK – MR Gloucestershire - Maptrail – Speech House 5

Then after it’s downloaded just go the car park, open up the app (you may need to press ‘reload’ if you’ve been using your phone for other things).

Then when you are ready for the off, press - Go to Start.

Cross the line and away you go.

For a full explanation of the the Maprun app and what the Maptrail is all about visit the NGOC site here:

http://www.ngocweb.com/maprun/maptrail/

And here is the map just in case anyone wants to download, print off and just run the route without the app.

Speech_House5.pdf

2/ Waun Fach Fell Race Route (the old version). This is a MapRun route.

This route is in a mountain environment. The route is not suitable for those without the necessary fell running or mountain walking experience. You need to take with you appropriate equipment (clothing, footwear, navigational tools etc) and you need to have the right skills to cope with what could be very difficult conditions. Don't make the silly mistake of assuming that as it's hot and sunny in the car park that it will be equally pleasant on the top of Waun Fach!

If you are in any doubt about the above then make sure you go with someone who does have the right skills.

For more information about the actual fell race visit fellrace.com

As well as using your phone to navigate by and to record your outing it is essential that you also have adequate backup plans for navigation and route finding - printed maps and a map and compass or a back-up GPS with enough power to last the route.

The MapRun app for this route can be used to navigate by and your time is automatically recorded.

You can do it at any time. You can do it by yourself or with friends.

It’s free - if parking at the 'Dragons Back' pub in Pengenfford then please remember to pay £2 to park - funds are donated to mountain rescue.

The route is not 'technical', being mostly on pleasant paths, and in fact much of the old mountain pathway in and around Waun Fach itself, has now been paved or surfaced in gravel.

You need to download an app onto your phone. Then before you leave home download the map too. When you get to the car park you start up the app and make your way to the start.

You do not need a mobile signal on the route if you have downloaded the map already at home. Getting your phone to acquire satellites on the route will be fine.

The app starts timing as soon as you pass over the start line and beeps to let you know you’ve started. On your phone there will be a fairly accurate map showing the features around you and the checkpoints you need to visit. The beauty of this app is that it also shows where you are on the map (represented by a blue dot on the screen), so If you do take a wrong turn at any point, you’ll be able to see your error and change course.

There are 6 checkpoints along the route. As you pass by each, the phone emits a beep and times how long it took you to get there. At the finish the app records your overall time and uploads your result to an overall table of results.

It’s a bit like doing a race… but you do it when you want and with whoever you want. And you can do it as many times as you like, so if your 1st attempt wasn’t as quick as you’d like then just try again another time.

As well as being a good activity in it’s own right this would be particularly good for anyone wanting to improve (or start off) their understanding of map reading.

What to do:

Download the app from your fav place:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=au.com.fne.maprun

https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/maprun/id1131196832?mt=8

or search for Maprun, by FNE Enterprises

You’ll need to set up the app with your personal details then download the map at home (don’t try at the venue as there is no mobile signal). To get the map onto your phone click:

Event list – MR UK – MR Gloucestershire - Maptrail – Waun Fach West

Then after it’s downloaded just go the car park, open up the app (you may need to press ‘reload’ if you’ve been using your phone for other things). When ready for the off in the car park press 'start the GPS'. As you cross the start point on the track below the car park, your phone will bleep and you're on your way.

For a full explanation of the the Maprun app and what the Maptrail is all about visit the NGOC site here:

http://www.ngocweb.com/maprun/maptrail/

Many thanks to Pat Mcleod (NGOC) for setting this route up for me.