More than 40 people took part in the Isle of Man Orienteering Championship at the weekend.

Organisers from the Isle of Man Orienteering Klubb (IoMOK) were pleased with the turnout and welcomed a number of participants who had travelled from the UK to compete.

Those who entered the three courses - championship, intermediate and novice - had to navigate their way through Archallagan plantation using maps and following signs.

The winner of the championship course, which was 5.8km in length with 19 controls and a 120m climb, was John Kewley who scored a time of 67 minutes and 50 seconds.

Rob Burridge was runner-up and Matthew Garratt gained third place.

Andy Watson achieved first place in the intermediate course with 79minutes and 51seconds.

Sam Jones and Cameron Crabtree claimed second and third place respectively.

Rona Tastagh gained first place in the novice course with 71minutes and 15seconds.

Other medallists included Diane Garratt and Fiona Quayle.

Sandor Talas, secretary of the IoMOK, said: ’The IoM Orienteering Championship was arranged in Archallagan plantation this year with over 40 participants.

’This was close to a 100% increase compared to the inaugural event last year.

’Several people came from across, including John Kewley. John is a Manxman currently living in England.

’John also delivered a safety clinic on Friday evening to the organisers of the IoM Orienteering Klubb. This is a requirement for staging orienteering events officially sanctioned by the British Orienteering Federation.

’The second placed Rob Burridge came over for a week to combine End2end, Manx Rally and IoM Orienteering.’

He added: ’Archallagan is a great place for orienteering.

’It offers navigational challenges suitable both for the novice and the experienced navigator, but in a safe environment.’

Maps of the Archallagan course can be downloaded via the website: www.gov.im/categories/leisure-and-entertainment/orienteering.

The Saturday championships was supported by Mylchreests Group, Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, with Green Mann Spring water providing refreshments.

Three orienteering events are organised by the IoMOK per year in the Isle of Man, which include an Easter Monday special, the September championship and a Boxing Day competition.

The Boxing Day event sees participants race against the clock to collect as many controls as they can in one hour.

Additionally the club runs informal training sessions for those who want advice and tuition. The next one is on October 20.

To find out more, search @IoMOrienteering on Facebook.