THE powerful attraction of a brand new map of the central Malvern Hills, and a last desperate attempt to score points before the end of the season resulted in a record 120 runs and over 200 people at the Malvern and District Orienteers Mini-League event on Saturday.

A welcome window in the weather allowed everyone to enjoy the newly mapped Wyche Ridge' without getting wet and confirmed the fact that Jason Howell of Malvern is the best local orienteer for the second year running.

He won the blue course decisively after his main rival, Andy Monro of Cheltenham, suffered an injury and was unable to launch a last minute challenge. Powick adventure racer Chris McSweeney finished the league in second place with Dave Nevell of Hereford in third.

On the green course Andy White of Birmingham braved the Spring Gardening Show traffic to make sure he hung on to top slot. The orange course was dominated by visitors from one of the 12 clubs in attendance but nothing could rob Jonathan Howie of the league title or his brother Max of doing the double on the yellow.

The courses were planned by local junior, Daniel Hartmann, 17, who lives on the mapped area, and checked by Tom Horton of Malvern.

The prize giving will take place at a social event and fun race on Hollybed Common on June 16 while the 2007/8 season will resume on September 29.