The first big Orienteering event of the season will be held at Burra in South Australia over the Easter weekend. Hanny Allston (Tasmania) is the favourite to defend her Elite Women title from 2006, but the Elite Men's race is more open. David Shepherd (ACT) will be looking to defend his title, but faces tough competition from Troy de Haas (Vic) and Julian Dent (NSW) who both missed last year's event (de Haas was competing overseas and Dent was injured). Also in the mix will be visiting British Team member Matt Crane.

The competition starts tomorrow (Friday) with a Sprint distance race (2.5-3kms), followed by Middle distance (5-6kms) on Saturday, and Long distance (12-15kms) on Sunday. On Easter Monday, the distances are 8-10kms.

In the Elite Women, interest will centre on who can get closest to Hanny, with Jo Allison (ACT), Grace Elson (Tas) and Anna Sheldon (Qld) the most likely to fill the minor placings.

Aside from the elite, around 1,000 Orienteers from all over Australia will be competing in age classes from 10 yrs and under to over 80s. The top juniors in the 17-20 yrs classes will be competing for selection for Australia's Junior World Championships team (JWOC) which will be held on home ground for the first time this year at Dubbo (NSW) in July.

Further details and results each day can be found at the competition web site
http://www.oasa.asn.au/2007/default.htm