The Launceston orienteer recorded a time of 1.20:55 on the Deddington course to clinch the men’s open title and finish nearly 13 minutes ahead of Jarrah Day, who completed the course in a time of 1.33:53.

Esk Valley’s Alison Stubbs was among the best performers in the women’s competition, finishing the 4.8km course 5 in 56.11.

While most races finished with a clear winner, there were some close finishes, with just 34 seconds splitting Esk Valley’s Matt Patten (35-50 class) and Hobart’s Sebastian Burgess (55 class) on the 6km course 4. 

Diana Cossar-Burgess (55 class) and Barbara Tassell (65 class) also gave each other a run for their money in the women’s 4.8km course 5, with Cossar-Burgess finishing one minute ahead in a time of 1.08:23.

Just as the unseasonably warm weather made for good competition, so too did the new map and venue, which challenged competitors with a wide variety of terrain and natural obstacles. 

About 90 athletes competed in the two-day event, which featured competitors aged between 10 and 75. 

Next up on the orienteering calendar is the Australian Orienteering Carnival, which will be held in New South Wales towards the end of the month.

More than 60 Tasmanians are expected to compete in the week-long championships.