The following debate has arisen in the columns of Nopesport
"Is it just me or does anyone else prefer CC to badge?  I mean
1) you get to choose which course you do based on ability.
2) I find that most browns are more competitive than an M21 as lots of the more mature runners who usually run brown do a more mature age class at badge events. It is not that M21's are easier to win than browns. But because of the small field on M21 often my placing doesn't mean anything to me. On a brown there will be more people running (maybe over35/under20) who I will look to see if I've matched their time etc etc.
3) Often EOD which is good for me.
4) Often sport ident and relaxed start times so you just turn up at the start and run when you're ready.
5) Nowadays they also tend to have premarked maps. (this is the only reason why I used to prefer badge events)"
"I prefer events which are close by to events that are further away.
I prefer events on detailed, technical areas with a sparse or non-existent network of line features.
I prefer courses which are well planned and make me think the whole way
I really don't care whether an event is a badge (sorry, regional) or colour-coded, or even national or local - given the choice I'll go to the one that I think will be most enjoyable, and I look forward to the day when I don't feel the need to travel to the other end of the country for an event which I know is unlikely to be."
"Good topic. I like a green course because it is most usually the distance I would prefer to run. W45L is often too long - especially at multi day events and W45S is frequently too short - but I do better at them and am very vain
CC are also a lot cheaper - especially when you have a family of 5 orienteers - with the wide spread use of SI and over printed maps Cc has got to represent more sport for your money.
I notice that the White Rose is going ageless for adults - ie enter the course you want but it has to be a specific one if you want to stand a chance of winning a lovely mug"
"I like good courses on good areas, but would prefer them to be cc than badge. (except for big events UK cup, champs, nationals etc)
I like running against local club members (and often friends) in some good areas. Most of the people I used to pitch myself against in the NE were 40+. "Good" areas tended to be saved for the (what is perceived as) "better badge events". whilst these badge events were enjoyable, after the run there is not the same competition, comparisons and banter.
At badge events the people who all usually do brown now do 4 or 5 different courses.
More of those colour codeds please."

In the light of the above is there not a strong case for using our Dales areas more often for District Events and less often for Regional Events?  We could always throw in a Black Course for those who want a really long romp.  The last Regional Event I attended had 11 runners on the most populated course and only a couple more courses than a District Event. The results in age classes made it appear completely meaningless.  I agree with the sentiments above.                                                                                                       Chris Burden