Colyton Grammar School student excels in orienteering

A 16-year-old Colyton Grammar School pupil has been tackling a tough challenge in the Lake District - seeking out the quickest routes between two points.

Jonty Eaton-Hart, from Payhembury, was chosen to compete in the Jan Kjellström International Festival of Orienteering.

The festival included two long races, in which Jonty, a year 11 pupil, came 23rd out of 60, and a sprint in which he finished 21st out of 59. He also represented Devon in a relay race, coming seventh on his leg.

The 3,000 runners taking part included the international elite preparing for the World Orienteering Championships in Scotland this summer.

Recently, Jonty competed in the British Orienteering Championships, coming ninth in his age category.

Jonty said that the festival was: “A really valuable and enjoyable experience. I’d really encourage people to try the sport.”

The aim of orienteering is

to navigate in sequence

between control points marked

on a unique orienteering map

and decide the best route to complete the course in the quickest time.

For more information about upcoming orienteering events

and news in Devon, visit the webiste at www.devonorienteering.co.uk