Macclesfield: Novel orienteering event 'Spunch' at The Fountain this weekend
By Alex Greensmith
28th Aug 2024 | Local News
A unique outdoor event is setting off from The Fountain this weekend.
Macclesfield resident Andy Thornton will be hosting Spunch on Saturday.
Over 100 people will be taking part in a novel 'MapSport' event on Saturday afternoon.
Former IT project manager Andy Thornton, has been an orienteer since university, launched Spunch two years ago.
The 'MapSport' event offers a fun, accessible route into exploring your local area, with the help of a specially produced map.
Macclesfield Nub News met with Andy to find out more.
"Orienteering changed my life for the better, it is a sport and hobby that I have been involved with for years," he said.
"What I have done with Spunch is to present a tamer form of orienteering, making it accessible to newcomers of all ages, and all abilities. .
"I believe that many people would enjoy doing an event like this, they just don't know it exists yet.
"I am hoping to introduce more people of all ages to enjoy what I have enjoyed over the past 40 years - the joys of running or walking with a map."
Offering a modern take on the traditional pastime of orienteering, Spunch is an activity which tests your navigation skills. And it can be done solo, in a pair, or as a family / friends group.
Participants download a smartphone app, and receive a waterproof map.
The goal is to pass through as many checkpoints as possible.
"The objective is to visit as many of those checkpoints as you can, in your chosen time limit," explained Andy.
"Anybody coming to this weekend's event in Macclesfield can choose to run or walk for 60 minutes, 120 minutes, or 180 minutes.
"In Macclesfield, there will be 99 checkpoints to visit. You can clear as many as you want."
"The objective of the exercise is to visit as many checkpoints as you can, or wish. And for every checkpoint, your phone beeps, which is called a 'satellite punch'. Hence, the name 'Spunch'."
"I am trying to make it very accessible through low cost.
"The standard entry fee is £6 per adult, and accompanied kids go free.
"I also offer early bird entries for a fiver, £8 for later entries or on the day."
Entrants download a free app called MapRun to take part.
As you clear more checkpoints, you rise up the leaderboard, and hear a satisfying jingle per checkpoint cleared.
Spot prizes can be received, including free entry at a future run.
"My ethos in all this is to put smiles on people's faces," revealed Andy.
"I want to give them a good time, show them an area that they are not familiar with, or even if they are local, they will discover things by doing these events. They will find paths and trails that they didn't even know existed on their doorstep."
Andy has recently held two 'Spunch' events in Bollington, one at Tegg's Nose, but this Saturday's 'Spunch' is the first starting from the town centre.
Andy shared what 'Spunchers' can expect from this weekend's route.
"The event in Macclesfield, as well as visiting the town's Parks, will see 'Spunchers' using sections of the Middlewood Way, the Bollin Valley Riverside Park and Macclesfield Canal," he teased.
"They will be able to do a Grand Tour of Macclesfield, using a map, ticking off checkpoints as they go. It is guaranteed fun.
"I chose The Fountain as the start and finish point as it has a large capacity, with indoor and outdoor spaces, and top food and drink.
"I try to organise these events so they start and finish at an independent local pub, coffee shop or business. It is great to facilitate an event which hopefully leads to over 100 people coming to these venues.
"One of the things about 'Spunch' is, most people always stay after for the social and have food and drink, meet other Spunchers and have what I like to call 'MapChat'.
"Most people that come to these events, absolutely love them. And a big way to grow for us is through word of mouth - people often come back again, but this time with friends.
"Obviously, I get a lot of pleasure from the people who come along to support these events. Their smiling faces when they get back to the finish is all the feedback I need.
"I am very happy that the people who come along to these events, are getting so much fun from them."
"It doesn't matter whether you run, jog, or walk. It doesn't matter if you are three or 83. 'Spunch' is for everyone.
"Some of the checkpoints can be done by a family with a pushchair or wheelchair, for any questions on this you can ask me."
In the short term future, Andy is aiming to do events from Prestbury, Adlington and Poynton in September and October.
Longer term, Andy has big plans for the start-up.
"I hope to grow capacity and grow the geographical reach," he shared.
"In the last two years, I have staged about 40 events, with lots of help from other keen 'Spunchers'.
"Those events have been as far as Wigan, Glossop, Leek and Nantwich, as well as everything in-between.
"I've put on events in Rushton Spencer, to central Manchester. Effectively, all around Cheshire and Manchester so far.
"So going forward, I intend to extend the geographical reach, and put on more local events so more people can experience the joys of spunching.
"Thank you to everyone who has supported 'Spunch' so far, from those who take part, to the volunteers.
"We look forward to seeing you soon."
Booking for this Saturday's event in Macclesfield can be made on this link.
Registration begins from 12:30pm, with people starting at their convenience up to 2pm.
If you have any questions about the event, or the concept as whole, please contact Andy on Facebook or email [email protected].
To see what else is going on in Macclesfield this weekend, please click HERE.
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