BraintreeWed 1 Jan

SOS New Year Novelty

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.

Results

• Results are available here
• Questions with answers here

Report

Thank you to the 34 people that joined us at the event, it was great to see people from HH, SUFFOC and WAOC in addition to the more local runners. Hopefully, you have all recovered from the rain and the downpour did not spoil your fun too much.

When marking the answers I always tried to give people the benefit of the doubt and the vast majority of answers were correct, although it was necessary to read the pen impression marks through the smudges occasionally. A few people chose the wrong bench in the park (the answer should have been poppies/ lest we forget) and any green animal carved into the park's entrance was given points. The time on the stopped clock provided some variety in answers, but as long as it was accurate to within 5 minutes, you scored full marks. I was shocked to learn that Benjamin Allen was also a naturist, but still gave the points as it made me smile.

William and Kingsley provided perfect, entirely legible answers to every question, well done! However, they were narrowly beaten by Eleanor & Daniel owing to time penalties, who are now the winners of the coveted 'fastest family' trophy.

The event resulted in a three-way tie for 1st place, so congratulations to Clive, Roy and Joshua for achieving 250 points. I hope you enjoyed the mince pies.
My thanks to Roger for an excellent lesson in local history, Kevin for his wisdom in printing the question sheet on waterproof paper, Lyn for all the techy stuff and Eddie for the administrative assistance.

HAVOC have an event on the 15^th January in Billericay and the next SOS event is at Maldon on the 29^th. I hope to see you there.
Best wishes to you all for 2025.

Marc Owen

Last updated: Thu 02 January, 2025

Overview

This is a one hour score event based on cultural and heritage landmarks around Braintree

Location Info

Near: Braintree
Lat,Lng: 51.87035,0.54304
Postcode: CM7 2AS

Open an interactive map in:
GoogleMap - OpenStreetMap - BingMap (OS 50k)

Directions / Parking

There is limited free parking available at Marshalls Park car park. Other parking is possible on residential roads near the park, such as Tortoiseshell Way to the south, but please be considerate of residents’ access.

Please do not park on London Road.

Public transport will be very limited on New Year’s Day and trains are not expected to be running to Braintree Station.

Map / Terrain

Footpaths and streets around Braintree

Open Orienteering Map scale 1:7500

Course Information

Controls are local heritage or cultural items which you can visit in any order. Then answer a question about it. Each correct answer scores 10 points.

You must report to the finish maximum 60 minutes after starting. 10 points/minute penalty if you are late back.

Entry Details

Entry via Racesignup

Seniors £4 for members of British Orienteering, +£1 for non-members

Juniors (U21) £2

Registration and Start times

Starts are between 11.00am and 12noon

Course closes 1.00pm

Facilities

Nearest Toilets at Marshalls Farm Service Station

Dog restrictions

Dogs must be on a lead

Contacts / Officials

Organiser: Marc Owen Email: m_d_owen@hotmail.com Tel: 0796 111 7909

Planner: Roger Gooding

Nearest A&E Hospital

Broomfield Hospital, Court Rd, Chelmsford, CM1 7ET
NHS Urgent care search

Safety Notes

Participation is at your own risk. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Bring clothing and footwear appropriate for the weather conditions.

As with any urban orienteering which requires participants to cross roads, you are asked to take due care and pay attention at all times.

Please be aware that London Road between the A120 and Marshalls Park has a 40mph speed limit.

It will not be necessary to cross roads with a limit above 30mph.

There will be no need to enter watercourses, please use bridges.

High visibility clothing is strongly recommended for adults and compulsory for competitors aged under 16.

There may be dog walkers, cyclists, scooters or residents on the pavements & footpaths, be aware and give them priority.

All competitors must report in the organiser when they finish (or by 13.00) even if they wish to retire.

Shorts and running vests can be worn, subject to weather conditions.

Several AEDs are available in Braintree town centre, including at Tesco (Market Place) and the Police Station (Blyths Meadow).

Competitors are permitted to carry phones, provided they are not used for navigation. The organisers phone number will be printed on the maps.

Competitors should provide the organiser with details of relevant medical conditions in a sealed envelope, prior to commencing the event. The envelope will be returned to the competitor at the end of the event.

We hope to hand out sweets at the end of the event. Anyone with a nut allergy is asked to inform the organizer prior to attending.

Miscellaneous

Participants are invited to remain at a local pub the King Willian IV, for post run rehydration and discussion, which will be open from 12:00.

Please note that food will not be available.

The pub’s Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/kingwilliamivbraintree/