Oxford Orienteering | Seren Ford and Harry Stuart

Serene and Harry with the Orienteering Cuppers competition map

Keble DPhil students Seren Ford and Harry Stuart recently secured second place for Keble at the University Orienteering Cuppers competition this Trinity Term.

Seren Ford matriculated in 2019, studying Biochemistry at Queen’s College. She is now pursuing a DPhil in Genomic Medicine and Statistics at Keble. Harry Stuart, who matriculated in 2018 at University College, completed his undergraduate studies in Mathematics and is undertaking a DPhil in Mathematics, specialising in Mathematical Glaciology at Keble.

“You don’t know where you’re going until you start the race: at that point you’re handed a map which has a number of checkpoints on it which you have to reach in the fastest time possible”

If you’re like us, you might not have known what orienteering entails. Orienteering is a sport that combines running with navigation, described on the OUOC website as ‘navigating on foot between points on a pre-defined course drawn on a map. The aim is to navigate round all of the points in the correct order and in the fastest possible time.’

Harry and Seren explain; “You don’t know where you’re going until you start the race: at that point you’re handed a map which has a number of checkpoints on it which you have to reach in the fastest time possible. It’s an exercise in both running and forward planning.” The sport is unique in terms of requiring not only physical endurance but also strategic forward planning to determine the most efficient route between checkpoints.

Harry first discovered orienteering upon arriving at Oxford in 2022, where he quickly developed a passion for the sport. He later recruited Seren to join him, resulting in their successful performance for the Orienteering Cuppers representing Keble in the recent round.

For those interested in trying their hand at orienteering, Seren and Harry have encouraging words: "Come along to a club session and give it a go: everyone is welcome!" The university’s orienteering club, OUOC, offers regular sessions for newcomers. Additionally, the British Orienteering website provides a comprehensive guide for beginners.

In addition to their recent Cuppers success, Harry Stuart will be OUOC's president in the next academic year. He is eager to attract new members to the sport and foster a welcoming environment for all.