Winter Series No.7 ColchesterWed 24 Jan
SOS/HAVOC Winter Mid-Week Series 2023-24
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’s Report
Winter Series Event No.7 Prettygate, Colchester Wednesday 24th January 2024
As usual this event comprised a Short and Long course; both using MapRun.
32 competitors turned up to test themselves against a straight forward but relatively long SHORT course and a more arduous and sometimes tricky LONG course. There weren’t many miss punches, which sometimes happens with MapRun. All were resolved after discussion and by studying their tracks.
The weather was much milder and less windy than of late so a quite comfortable night for a run.
The pub was very welcoming and fascinated by the whole ‘affair’ which added to the occasion and helped to create a convivial social gathering afterwards.
Obviously much post-run discussion, better known as an inquest, over route choice which could also be described as ‘what if’ I had done this or that, all added to the discussion.
Credit to our HAVOC comrades who mostly had travelled a fair distance through the traffic to attend.
We look forward to our next event No.8 hosted by HAVOC at Hornchurch in two weeks’ time.
Many thanks for attending,
John Allen & Tim Hull
Overview
The event will form part of HAVOC/SOS Mid-Week Winter 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 10 event series will count.
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.
You are welcome to run together as a group, but in order to be fair we ask that you keep together, as when running as a group the least advantageous handicap is applied.
100 points will be allocated to the course organiser/planner for each event planned.
League rules and points calculation available here
Location Info
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Near: Colchester Lat,Lng: 51.88063,0.86460 OS Grid Ref: TL973242 Postcode: CO3 4NW What3Words: ///float.signal.crest
Open an interactive map in:
GoogleMap -
OpenStreetMap -
BingMap (OS 50k)
Directions / Parking
The event start and finish is at The Prettygate Pub, The Commons, Prettygate CO3 4NW (Colchester west).
There is limited parking at the pub, but there is a free car park behind the library on the opposite side of the road, or park in the surrounding streets, but please give due regard to local residents.
Map / Terrain
Open Orienteering Map
Long Course 1:10,000 Short Course 1:7,500
The course is on roads, pavements, footpaths and tracks.
Course Information
Short course 3.0k direct distance between controls (optimum distance 5.0km) Long Course 6.1km direct distance between controls (optimum distance 8.1km) Controls are all fire hydrant signs. Both courses will be run using Maprun on a smartphone or Garmen watch. Information about Maprun is available at Virtual Orienteering Courses - Essex Stragglers Orienteering Society Please download the Maprun software in advance. You will be given an access code at the event. Download the course onto the app by clicking on ‘Select Event', in the app, and following the menu path UK > Essex The Long course is: Prettygate 2024 Long The Short course is: Prettygate 2024 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. Note, 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. If the app does not register a control, record the lower number on the H sign. Please ensure you notify the organiser that you have finished, so that safety checks can be completed. The courses can still be completed conventionally, but you will need to record the lower number of the hydrant signs on a control card, and you will be timed out and back. If you wish to do it this way, please bring a pencil or pen and map bag if wet. |
Entry Details
Enter on Racesignup.co.uk
Closing date for entries 12:00 midday Tuesday 23rd January. You may be able to enter after this time subject to map availability, please contact the organiser.
£5 Seniors, £2 under 21 or students, £1 discount for orienteering club members
Registration and Start times
Start times will be between 6.30pm and 7.30pm. Competitors must report to the finish by 9pm.
Facilities
Public toilets available in the pub.
Newcomers are welcome. Help and guidance will be available.
Participants are warmly invited to join us after at the The Prettygate Pub for post run rehydration and discussion.
Contacts / Officials
Organiser/Planners – John Allen jaysuk@btinternet.com 07929 424626
Tim Hull timothyhull57@gmail.com 07951 246044
Series Coordinator – Chris Childs christopher.childs@tiscali.co.uk 07847 501560
Nearest A&E Hospital
Colchester Hospital 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.
A head torch or hand torch is essential. N.B. There is a an option for using an off-road track which may be slippery and has trip hazards and overhanging branches. High visibility clothing is strongly recommended.
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.
It is a condition of entry that participants agree to follow the British Orienteering Participant Code of Conduct
There may be dog walkers, cyclists or residents on pavements and footpaths – be aware and give them priority.
Miscellaneous
The next events are as follows:
Event 8 Wed Feb 7 HAVOC Seb Parris Hornchurch East
Event 9 Wed Feb 21 SOS Dave Game Hatfield Peverel
Event 10 Wed Mar 6 HAVOC Colin Jackson TBC