ChelmsfordWed 21 Jan
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 & Parkland
Results
Report
Thank you for joining us at last night's event, despite the less than ideal weather. The the skies opened up just before the start, but eased off during the evening. I hope you managed to stay mainly dry and keep warm.
The slightly longer course was definitely worth it to get into the intricacies of the city center and it was also nice to run alongside and keep crossing over the rivers. If you would like to run around Chelmsford again during the day, SOS will be hosting an Urban O event there on Sunday 10th May. Details will be announced nearer the time at https://www.stragglers.info/events/chelmsford-2026-05-10
Last night, we had 10 people on the short course and 18 people on the long course.
With this being the seventh event in the series and the top six scores counting for the league, this is where the positions can start moving around.
On the short course, Rachel Read was the fastest with John Allen just behind, but John took the 100 points after the handicap.
Colin Jackson still holds 1st place, with Rachel and Chris Childs swapping places. All three have a strong lead.
On the long course, Dean Pepper got around the fastest with Keith Bennett a couple of minutes behind. After handicaps were applied, Dean finished in 6th place and Keith remained in 2nd place, following Jackie Sibthorp who took the 100 points. Jackie also completed the course in the shortest distance.
Keith and Jackie still hold 1st and 2nd place in the league with a good lead. Kevin's result means he jumps above myself and David Float to take 3rd place.
Anytime Catchup
Missed the event? You can still run the course on Maprun catch up until 4th Februrary to score for the league. Follow the links below for the PDF maps.
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
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Near: Chelmsford Lat,Lng: 51.723,0.461 Postcode: CM2 9AE
Open an interactive map in:
GoogleMap -
OpenStreetMap -
BingMap (OS 50k)
Related events or Information
Directions / Parking
The event starts and finishes from The Rising Sun, 232 New London Road, Chelmsford, CM2 9AE.
There is no parking at the pub, but free on-road parking is available on Moulsham Street and the surrounding residential roads. Three hours of free parking is available at Tesco off Miami Roundabout, but be please aware that this duration is strictly enforced and over-staying will result in a penalty notice.
Travel via public transport is possible from Chelmsford railway/bus station using the number 32 bus to BBC Essex or number 300 bus to New London Road. If you are intending to use public transport, please check the services are running normally before travelling.
Map / Terrain
Open Orienteering Map 1:10000 printed on waterproof paper.
Course Information
Long 7.6k
Short 4k
This is a line event, where you are expected to visit the controls in the correct order. Depending on your route choice, you may pass controls en-route to your destination, however, you must still visit all of the controls in the correct order. Courses are measured as direct distances between controls. You will run further.
The courses are on roads, pavements, footpaths and through public parks.
The gates to Oaklands Park (east of the start) will be locked and the area inaccessible for parking and runners.
The High Chelmer and Meadows shopping malls will be closed and so pedestrian routes through them are shown as Out of Bounds.
For those with local knowledge, there is a route through Christ Church which would allow an unfair advantage. The path will not be shown on the map and the back gate may also be locked. For fairness, we ask all competitors to refrain from taking this path.
The printed map has been updated for both accuracy (including additional paths) and to remove extraneous detail. This is not reflected on the electronic version.
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 available until 8.30pm. https://www.therisingsuncm2.co.uk/
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.
It will be necessary to cross Parkway (a 40mph dual carriageway) on both the Long and Short courses using the subway tunnels. These will be 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.
Both courses will need to pass through Central Park. The main paths are well lit and there is CCTV, but you may need to adjust your route if you wish to remain on a lit path.
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 > Chelmsford.
The courses are:
South Chelmsford Jan26 Long
South Chelmsford Jan26 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.