Shrub EndWed 17 Dec
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
Thank you all for turning up on a cold but dry December evening. Everyone seemed to enjoy the event and we did not lose anybody so a reasonably successful evening I thought.
Tim was the primary architect for the courses and found some tricky areas at the east end of the Long course, where a maze of footpaths called for some careful navigation. It was also a little longer than usual. Clearly no problem for Allen Smalls who beat his rivals Dean Pepper and Kevin Gard by 5/6 minutes with Keith Bennett not far behind them.
On the Short course Rachel Read was nearly 3 minutes ahead of Colin Jackson with John Allen in third place.
Some of the usual Maprun difficulties experienced but for most it all worked fine.
James Rowley and Kieran Callaghan were both first timers. There are quite a few things to learn first time out, but they performed well and said how much they enjoyed their experience. Hope to see you again gentlemen.
In the Long League this leaves Keith Bennett in pole position with Jackie Sibthorp and Dean Pepper in second and third place and in the Short League Rachel Read edges ahead of Colin Jackson by just 4 points.
For those who stayed behind to partake of the hospitality of the Berechurch Arms there was some fine ale and sustenance to enjoy. So our thanks to them.
Hope to see you at the next event and wishing everybody a Happy Christmas.
Chris & Tim
Anytime Catchup
Missed the event? You can still run the course on Maprun catch up until 31st December to score for the league.
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: Shrub End Lat,Lng: 51.8748,0.8653 Postcode: CO3 4RG
Open an interactive map in:
GoogleMap -
OpenStreetMap -
BingMap (OS 50k)
Related events or Information
Directions / Parking
The event starts and finishes from the Berechurch Arms, 177 Shrub End Road, Colchester, CO3 4RG.
There is a car park at the rear of the pub, otherwise parking is available on surrounding streets.
Registration will be at the rear of the pub, best accessed through the rear door from the car park.
Map / Terrain
Open Orienteering Map 1:10000 printed on waterproof paper.
Course Information
Long 7.3k - 24 controls
Short 3.3k - 10 controls
The courses start at the post box opposite the pub and finish in the pub driveway. All the controls are fire hydrants.
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 course is on roads and footpaths and in town 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 9pm.
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 will be available, although the menu may be limited.
Nearest A&E Hospital
Colchester General A&E, Turner Road, CO4 5JL
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. High visibility clothing is strongly recommended.
These are night events. A head or hand torch are compulsory.
Some paths are unlit and have uneven and slippery surfaces. The paving slabs on the eastern side of the map are in a very poor state. There is also a wooded area which has additional trip hazards and overhanging branches. TAKE CARE!
As with any urban orienteering which requires participants to cross the road, you are asked to take due care and pay attention at all times. The busy main road on the east edge of the map has no footpath and is strictly out of bounds as marked.
There may be dog walkers, cyclists or residents on pavements and footpaths – be aware and give them priority.
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 > Shrub End.
The courses are:
Shrub End 2025 Long
Shrub End 2025 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.