Chelmer VillageWed 18 Feb
Essex Winter Midweek Series 2025/26
Local level event
Explanation of Event levels
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.
Terrain type: Urban
Results
Report
Twenty seven orienteers braved the cold, wet and windy weather to run the 9th event of the SOS/HAVOC Winter series 25/26, at the Fox and Raven in Chelmer Village.
There were 7 runners on the short course (40 minutes) and 20 on the long course (60 minutes). I set the course to have more high scoring controls nearer to the start and finish, with the lower scores further out. I thought it would be interesting to see that in order to differentiate your score you would need to go further and achieve some 10's. Also, less quick runners would be able to get a higher score. There was just one high scoring control, to see if the runners felt it was worth a run to the West of the course, just to achieve 40 points.
Unfortunately 2 runners passed by the start/finish before they were ready to stop and prematurely triggered the finish control, perhaps I should have considered this whilst planning.
The short course result was interesting, as four runners (running in pairs), achieved the same score, in a time just 2 seconds apart, even though one group went to 10 controls and the other to 13. However, when it came to the handicap results Colin Jackson came out on top.
On the long course, Keith Bennett had the highest score, followed by Kevin Gard, and once the handicap was taken into account, Keith and Kevin were still on top.
Looking at the leagues, with one event to go, it's very close on the short course between Colin Jackson and Rachel Read. On the long, Keith is leading the way, followed by Jackie who picked up 100 points for organising the Chelmer Village event, but may be just too far behind to catch Keith up!
Jackie Sibthorp
Anytime Catchup
Missed the event? You can still run the course on Maprun catch up until 4th March to score for the league. Follow the link below for the PDF map.
Overview
Midweek street event using MapRun.
The event will form part of the Essex Winter Midweek Series 2025/26.
Points will be awarded based on final score adjusted using an age/gender handicap system. Best 6 results from the 10-event series will count for the league leaderboard.
Anytime catch-up for some events available for 2 weeks after the event, subject to an Anytime time penalty, on MapRun. Bonus points for running on the night compared to Anytime.
Full results will be emailed via RaceSignUp and published on the SOS and HAVOC websites.
Location Info
/0.4963,51.7309,12/500x400?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoicGF1bGZyb3N0IiwiYSI6ImNreHB6M2ttMjBlbnkyd28yNXZzZWJwbGQifQ.fnwThkHVCLn8Nf1UM5_AYw)
Near: Chelmer Village Lat,Lng: 51.7309,0.4963 Postcode: CM2 6NL
Open an interactive map in:
GoogleMap -
OpenStreetMap -
BingMap (OS 50k)
Related events or Information
Directions / Parking
The event starts and finishes from The Fox and Raven, Barnes Mill Road, Chelmsford, CM2 6NL.
The start and finish control will be close to the pub.
Map / Terrain
Open Orienteering Map 1:10000 printed on waterproof paper.
Course Information
Long - 60 minutes
Short - 40 minutes
This is a score event, where you can visit the controls in any order.
Controls 10-19 are valued at 10 points, 20-29 at 20 points, and 30-39 at 30 points, control 40 is valued at 40 points - these are all fire hydrants.
Exceeding the course time limit will collect a penalty of 10 points per minute (or part thereof).
The courses are on roads, pavements, footpaths and through public parks.
Entry Details
Enter this event via Racesignup.
£4 Seniors, £5 unaffiliated runners, £2 under 21 or students.
For late entries email series coordinator.
Registration and Start times
Start times will be between 6.30pm and 7.30pm.
Please ensure you notify the organiser that you have finished, so that safety checks can be completed.
Competitors must report to the finish by 8.45pm.
Facilities
Toilets are available in the pub.
Why not stay behind at the end for a drink afterwards and discuss your course and route choice.
Food is available in the pub until late, booking a table in advance is advisable (book a table online up until 9.30).
Nearest A&E Hospital
Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, CM1 7ET
NHS Urgent care search
Safety Notes
Participation is at your own risk. Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.
Bring clothing and footwear appropriate for the weather conditions.
These are night events. A head or hand torch are compulsory.
As with any street orienteering participants will be required to cross roads and you are asked to take due care and attention at all times. High visibility clothing is strongly recommended.
There may be dog walkers, cyclists or residents on pavements and footpaths – be aware and give them priority.
Dependant on route chosen, it may be necessary to cross Chelmer Rd (a 40mph dual carriageway) using the subway tunnel & pedestrian crossing. These are shown as mandatory crossing points on the paper map, but not the electronic version. For fairness and safety, please do not attempt to cross the road other than at the specified locations.
Miscellaneous
This event uses MapRun software. Please use a smartphone or Garmin watch and ensure you have the latest version of MapRun installed on your phone. Information about Maprun is available at www.stragglers.info/info/virtual-orienteering-courses. There is also a user guide on the HAVOC website
It is useful to download the course you need before you arrive, download the course onto the app by clicking on ‘Select Event' in the app, and following the menu path UK > Essex > ChelmerV26.
The courses are:
Long - ChelmerVFeb26 Long
Short - ChelmerVFeb26 Short
The course map will not be visible on your phone until you receive the PIN number at Registration on the night. You do not need the PIN number to run using a Garmin watch.
Your result will be automatically downloaded when you finish. The full procedure will be explained at Registration. If the app fails to register your visit to a control, you need to note the lower number on the H sign, or lamp post number. If a control is missed then the software will show your result as Mispunch, but in the results we will add the usual penalty for a missed or incorrect control.
If you are unable to use MapRun, you are still very welcome to take part by completing the control card with pen or pencil, but be aware that this is a slower method. You will be timed by clock, and written answers will be checked. Please bring a pen to mark the control card and a map bag if wet.
Please note: Participants who are not members of British Orienteering are not covered by British Orienteering’s public liability insurance. By entering this event, you acknowledge that you are taking part at your own risk. For example, if you were to accidentally injure a member of the public or damage property during the event, you would not be covered.