SNOT 1/27/2013 Stratham Hill Park, Stratham, NH

We had the opportunity to host some SNOT this January. SNOT (Southern New hampshire Off-road Training) is a monthly-ish get-together of adventurous outdoor types organized by Untamed Adventure Racing.

Rob setting up the course.

We organized a trail-based event designed to develop and test each other's distance estimation skills.  Recent weather conditions resulted in a trail surface that was mostly ice, so added metal traction underfoot was essential for efficiency and safety. The attendees traveled from as far away as Cape Cod to spend a few hours on the trails with us in 20 degree temps and 20 mph winds.  The harsh conditions dictated that only the hardcore would show up.

Chillin' (literally) pre-event

Testing the effects of a 15% grade on pace-counting

Initial 100 meter segments and a 5k trail loop got everyone warmed up for the main event, a 6k trail run/hike that would require accurate pace counting to punch the 4 correct orienteering flags. In the end, Eric and Jillian Martin from Cape Cod emerged as victors with 3 out of 4 flags correctly punched. Post-race gear prizes were provided by Untamed Advenure Racing's Grant Killian. Thanks to Grant for providing prizes, O-flags, passports and organizing SNOT.