Beckenham Place ParkSat 25 Jul
Credit: Philip Craven
GLOSS Series
Local level event
What does this mean?
Local events are usually low key and in the 'localised' area, ideal for newcomers to try the sport and Training events are non competitive and used for training and coaching, aimed at members of the club, but they can attract people from neighbouring clubs, and are often ideal for newcomers to try the sport. Regional events attract participants from around the local Region, National events are high quality competitions that will attract people from far away, Major events are Major Events such as a British Championships. Virtual events are where there are no physical controls being used. Your presence at a control is registered using an App on your mobile phone, normally the free MapRun6 App.
Terrain type: Parkland
Overview
The Greater London Orienteering Summer Series 2026 comes to a dramatic conclusion at the final event at Beckenham Place Park. Courses will include the GLOSS course, which counts towards your Club’s score in the series, plus an extension course for those looking for a greater challenge. In addition there will be a shorter Yellow course suitable for all comers.
Whether you’ve entered all the events in the series, or whether you’re new to orienteering, all are welcome to take part.
We anticipate being able to award the prestigious London Bus trophy to the winning team at the end of the event.
You can find out more about the first four events in this great series, and see results and handicapping details, on the 2026 GLOSS series homepage.
Location Info
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Near: Beckenham Lat,Lng: 51.4218,-0.0151 Postcode: SE6 3PU What3Words: ///rate.alert.stored
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Directions / Parking
Registration will be 400m from Beckenham Hill railway station (services from Blackfriars Station) and this is the recommended way of coming to the event. Alternatively, its about 1.7k from Beckenham Junction railway station (services from London Victoria) and tram station, taking the route up Beckenham Place Park (the road) and then through the park. The 54 Bus runs alongside the park via both railways stations.
Parking is available in Beckenham Place Park, but its limited, expensive and complex as it depends on your car’s emissions band. Pay using the Paybyphone app only, location 8035754. Alternative car parks exist in Beckenham and on limited surrounding streets.
Map / Terrain
Beckenham Place Park consists of large areas of parkland with small groups of trees, plus areas of adjoining woodland with a strong path network. All courses will run through both areas. There may also be time to take in the historic buildings and water features.
The map has been updated to reflect recent changes within the park. The scale is 1:5000.
Course Information
Three courses are available:
GLOSS course
This course will be approximately 3.5k long and will be “light green” in nature. Early controls will be relatively easy to find but later controls may be off paths and more challenging. Entering the GLOSS course means your performance will count towards your Clubs scoring in the 2026 series
GLOSS plus extension
Those looking for a bit of an extra challenge can run the GLOSS plus extension. Competitors complete the GLOSS course first and then carry on to do an additional section of course, approximately 2k in length, making 5.5k in total. The final 2k may feature some controls that are more challenging to find. If you run the GLOSS plus extension your performance on the first GLOSS section will count towards your Clubs scoring.
You do not have to decide whether you will do the extension until the day as all maps will have both courses printed on them
Yellow 1.8km
Controls (checkpoints) are very easy to find, mostly on paths, ideal for younger children and complete beginners.
All course lengths are approximate currently and will be as measured in straight lines. Actual distance travelled will be greater.
Entry Details
Entries will be via www.racesignup.co.uk, opening on 1 July. Entries in advance only. Enter by midnight on 19 July to be sure of a map for the course of your choice. Entries will be available after this date until all maps on a course have been taken including entry on the day, also via racesignup, if maps are still available.
Registration and Start times
Registration opens at 10:30
Start times from 11:00 to 12:30
Courses close at 14:00
Electronic Punching: Sportident electronic punching will be used for all courses. Contactless punching (SIACs) will be enabled for those with an enhanced chip but everyone must punch manually at the start and at the finish. Both standard (SI) and SIAC dibbers will be available for hire at £1 and SIACs at £2 respectively.
Facilities
The event centre will be a dark blue tent set up near the open area to the South East of the main entrance on Beckenham Hill Road with the tall DFOK flag nearby. Public toilets are available at the café.
Dog restrictions
Dogs on a short lead and under close control at all times are welcomed
Contacts / Officials
Organiser: Richard Bostock
Planner: Richard Bostock
Controller (risk assessment only): David Dawson
Nearest A&E Hospital
Safety Notes
There will be a first aid kit available on a largely self-help basis with a qualified sports first aider present to assist.
Miscellaneous
We are grateful to Borough of Lewisham for permission to use the area.