Slick terrain tested footing in the NZOC25 sprint

Despite huge adjustments to the map in the last few weeks due to a last minute change in consent, planner Ryan Moore & controller Bruce Steven worked hard to extend, and map, a new section for the sprint. Light drizzle on race day created slippery conditions, challenging competitors’ speed and stability especially on smooth stone and wet grass. The courses featured many short sharp legs, a small maze and barriers on a central Christchurch’s park area to added another layer of complexity.
The race between Zefa Fa’avae and Joseph Lynch in Men’s 21E was exciting to watch, with Zefa finishing only 16 seconds in front. Nathan Borton followed-up fast in third place despite wearing sprint shoes with hardly any grip, he finished 21 seconds behind.
In the Women’s 21E favourite Lizzie Ingham’s resilience, unflappable navigation and consistent running strength was evident. Lizzie holds onto top position with 54 seconds spare in front of Renee Beveridge. Zara Stewart placed third 59 seconds later. Kaia Jorgensen just missed out on podium place in the finish line, as her last punch didn’t function. Her return to re-punch criminally dropped her down exceedingly fast into fourth place on the finish line.

M21E
1st Zefa Fa’avae NL 12:14
2nd Joseph Lynch PP 12:30 +0:16
3rd Nathan Borton AK 12:35 +0:21

W21E
1st Lizzie Ingham WN 12:23
2nd Renee Beveridge NW 13:17 +0:54
3 Zara Stewart AK 13:22 +0:59

M20E
1st Jake McLellan HV 12:22
2nd Jakob Knoef PP 12:30 +0:08
3rd Zack Meads CM 12:51 +0:29

W20E
1st Rachel Baker WN 13:16
2nd Katherine Babington PP 13:27 +0:11
3rd Anna Babington PP 13:49 +0:33

Full NZ Orienteering Championships Sprint results:
https://ochamps.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/20250418_NZ_Championship_2025_Sprint.pdf