Summer Series No.7 ColchesterThu 21 Jul
SOS/HAVOC Summer Mid-Week Series
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
Organiser/Planner's Report
I hope you all enjoyed the different format for the event. Colin planned the courses for SOS regional urban event back in May. Rather than reinvent the wheel, we used the same map and the basic shape of the courses to produce our midweek event. This exposed you to a "proper" urban map, a novelty for some. Control sites were relocated to a point of interest with a suitable information for a question. In prospecting the sites, I learnt a few things as I gather did many of you, even those Colchester based.
My sincere apologies for the closures. Both were very recent. Culver Square being on the night with some of you still managing to gain access. A large number of you were enterprising and asked the closing time of Putt in the Park - the answers differed! No penalties were added for these two controls. In fact, overall there were very few penalties.
My deliberate mistake (I always have one) was putting the wrong question for Control 14 on the short course. It should have been the same as control 6 on long course, the house number behind the tree. Fortunately you all found a lamppost and gave the same number!
Fastest time on the Long was Martyn narrowly beating Gary with Jenny as fastest woman. Honours on the Short course go to Rachel and John.
Thank you all for coming. The consensus seemed to be that it was the right decision to put the event back. It wouldn't have been any fun running the streets of Colchester in 34C heat on Tuesday. The emphasis for these events is fun. It was great to see so many people socialising after the event. My thanks to the Foresters for their hospitality. I was told we were welcome back anytime.
Lyn West
Planner/Organiser
Overview
Note event date has been revised to Thursday 21st due to extreme weather
The event will form part of HAVOC/SOS Mid-Week 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 minutes penalty. Best 6 results from the series will count. Full details here
Location Info
/0.90661,51.89093,12/500x400?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoicGF1bGZyb3N0IiwiYSI6ImNreHB6M2ttMjBlbnkyd28yNXZzZWJwbGQifQ.fnwThkHVCLn8Nf1UM5_AYw)
Near: Colchester Lat,Lng: 51.89093,0.90661 Postcode: CO1 1UR What3Words: ///luxury.daring.riots
Open an interactive map in:
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Directions / Parking
Start and finish is outside Foresters Arms, Castle Road, Colchester
Castle Road car park opposite Foresters is £3.50 for 3 hours
There are no parking restrictions on the roads around Foresters after 6pm but spaces tend to be limited. There is plenty of on street parking in Guildford Road estate. Approaching the town centre from east, turn right at bottom of East Hill, just before Goat and Boot pub, first left into Exeter Drive, follow round to Lincoln Way. Foresters is about 5 min walk from north end of Lincoln Way.
Map / Terrain
Colchester Urban map as used for event in May 2022. Scale 1:5000, contour interval 2.5m
Controls will be points of interest and you will need to answer a simple question
Please bring a pen or pencil to mark the control card and map bag if it is wet.
Course Information
Long 5.1km
Short 3.0km
Distances are measured as straight line. Running distance will be further.
The course is on roads, pavements, footpaths and parkland. Please wear suitable footwear.
Newcomers welcome. Help and guidance available.
Entry Details
Pre-entry on line via Racesignup
Closing date midday Wednesday 20th July
Event no.7 - Colchester
£4 Seniors, £2 under 21 or students
Registration and Start times
Starts between 6:15pm and 7:15pm
Finish by 8:45pm
Facilities
Stay on at the Foresters Arms after your run for a drink and post run analysis. Food is served 6-8pm.
Toilets available in pub.
Dog restrictions
No dogs or cycles allowed in Upper Park. Both courses have controls in Upper Park.
Contacts / Officials
Organiser/Planner – Colin & Lyn West
SOS Series Coordinator – Chris Childs
Nearest A&E Hospital
Colchester Hospital, Turner Road CO4 5JL
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 this requires participants 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. In consideration for others please do not attend if you show symptoms of covid 19.
Miscellaneous
Last event in the series
Thurs 4th August HAVOC Ingatestone