Summer Series No.1 - BasildonWed 26 Apr

SOS/HAVOC Summer Mid-Week Series 2023

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

Organiser’s Report

Thanks to all for turning up on what was a dry but not so warm spring evening, it was certainly very boggy in places depending on how you travelled between the controls off the roads. I tried to ensure that the small parks and open spaces in the area were used. I also decided it'd be fun to get some climb via the two overpasses to the south on the long course; although it was originally planned at 4 and venturing into Northlands Park again but this elongated the run a bit too much.

I will apologise that I printed out a briefing sheet for the start but then put the maps on top of it so no one saw its contents.

Saying this I was pleased to see that no-one tried to cross the dual carriageway on the long. I had also purposefully missed some paths off the long course (you could get to control 12 via the north if you ran alongside the dual carriageway and through the petrol station forecourt). The briefing sheet also contained the brief about two home made signs and that one was a park bench and the other a rugby post. I had tried to ensure these were visible on the run into the control site so that if you were in the right location you could see it; but it seemed to catch a couple of people. I now know how to print the descriptions on the map so this wont be a problem for any future events...

There seemed to be some gremlins out there with the MapRun software, the Russians clearly deciding to hack life's necessities. Unfortunately for some reason the GPS signals weren't strong enough with multiple competitors not being able to connect and others having it drop out mid run! Fortunately it's easy to spot this with the straight lines on the GPS claiming people managed to run through buildings which could pose quite a challenge and for the most part routes tallied with the course or competitors committed the control numbers to memory. I can only apologise for this after both Chloe and myself running the course in various formats over the past couple of weeks with no such problems encountered.

Thank you to all who turned up and stayed for a drink or two after; look forward to running later in the series and seeing you all at the future events.

Details of the scoring can be found at this link.

The courses will be loaded into MapRun for an Anytime run over the next couple of days. These runs will count for the league table for the next two weeks, and then be available for the MapRun bonus for the league, which this season is a full 100 points, and is available on any Essex MapRun run during the series.

Any questions you have about the event or your entry please contact the event organiser: streeto@orienteering-havoc.co.uk

Last updated: Fri 28 April, 2023

Overview

The event will form part of HAVOC/SOS Mid-Week Summer O League. Points will be awarded based on finishing times adjusted using an age/gender handicap system. Each missed or incorrect control will incur a 5-minute penalty. Best 6 results from the 8-event series will count. Anytime catch-up for some events available for 2 weeks after the event, on MapRun. Bonus points for running on the night compared to Anytime. Bonus points available for running an Essex MapRun during the series. Full results will be emailed via RaceSignUp and published on the SOS and HAVOC websites.

Location Info

Location map

Near: Basildon
Lat,Lng: 51.58203,0.48382
Postcode: SS14 3JT
What3Words: //unity.hips.cape

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

Directions / Parking

Jolly Friar Public House 18 Whitmore Way, Basildon SS14 3JT
Small car park at the front of the Jolly Friar or local roads but please park considerately for residents.


Map / Terrain

Long Course 6k , Short 3k (subject to change). These are direct distances between controls.
Map OOM V3 urban Scale 1:10,000 for the long and 1:7,500 for the short

We are going to run this event using the MapRun software. Therefore, please, if possible, use a smartphone (or Garmin watch) and ensure you have latest version of MapRun (MapRun6) installed and the course is downloaded to your phone/watch before you arrive.

Details of how to obtain a copy of the app and how it works can be found here.

There is also a HAVOC user guide here.

Download the course onto the app by clicking on ‘Select Event', in the app, and following the menu path UK > Essex

The courses are: Whitmore Park Long & Whitmore Park Short

The course map will not be visible on your phone until you receive the PIN number at Registration on the night. (Note – you do not need the PIN number to run using a Garmin watch). There are no written answers required with MapRun and your result will be automatically downloaded when you finish. The full procedure will be explained at Registration. Note, that if a control is missed then the software will show your result as Mispunch, but in the official results we will add the usual penalty for a missed or incorrect control. Please ensure you notify the organiser that you have finished, so that safety checks can be completed.

If you are really unable to use MapRun, you are still welcome to take part by completing the control sheet with pen or pencil but be aware that this is a much slower method. With this approach, timing will be manually by a traditional clock, and written answers will be checked as per previous events.

Course Information

Long Course 6k , Short 3k (subject to change). These are direct distances between controls.

Controls will be fire hydrants; will likely also use other park furniture or home made signs. You need to record the lower number on fire hydrants; where otherwise it will be made clear.

If you are using MapRun then you will not need to record answers on a control card. However, if the app doesn't register your visit then you need to record the lower number on the H sign, or other reference as directed. If you are not using MapRun, then please bring a pen to mark the control card and a map bag if wet.

Entry Details

£4 Seniors, £2 under 21 or students.

Entry for the full series of 8 events, at a reduced rate, available using the Golden Ticket option on RaceSignUp.

Pre-entry and pre-payment are required using www.racesignup.co.uk

Registration and Start times

Start times between 6:30pm and 7:30pm. Competitors must report to the finish by 9:00pm.

Facilities

Toilets available in pub.
Venue for refreshments: The Jolly Friar, 18 Whitmore Way, Basildon SS14 3JT
Stay on at the Jolly Friar after your run for a drink and post run analysis. Kitchen closes at 19:00 but other takeaway options available.

Newcomers welcome. Help and guidance available.

Contacts / Officials

Organiser/Planner – Chris Prince Email: streeto@orienteering-havoc.co.uk Tel:

Series Coordinator – David Float Email: streeto@orienteering-havoc.co.uk Tel: 07801 216634

Covid 19 Officer – Graham Batty Email: membership@orienteering-havoc.co.uk Tel: 07985 609719

Nearest A&E Hospital

Basildon Hospital Nethermayne SS16 5NL
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 the road, you are asked to take due care and pay 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.

Miscellaneous

Future Events:

Event 2 May 10 SOS Marc Owen Admirals & Central Park Chelmsford

Event 3 May 24 HAVOC Doddinghurst

Event 4 May 31 SOS Colin & Lyn West Colchester

Event 5 June 14 HAVOC Leigh-on-Sea

Event 6 June 28 SOS John Allen Colchester

Event 7 July 12 HAVOC TBA

Event 8 July 26 SOS TBC TBA