WithamWed 19 Nov
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
- • Results
Report
Well done to everyone who took part last night, the weather certainly made it feel like a winter series event! I drove through some rain on my way to Witham, but luckily that stopped and held off for the event.
This was the first score event I have planned and I wanted to avoid obvious clusters of controls to make route choice a key factor. From looking at the MapRun tracks, there was a lot of variation so this seems to have worked well.
I also wanted to ensure that no-one would be able to visit all controls within the time limit. It took me 1.5 hours of running to check the control sites so I thought the separation was ok.
I think we had a slightly higher ratio of people doing the short course than usual with 15 people on the short course and 22 people on the long course - a few people opted to switch from the long to the short to avoid being out for as long with the inclement weather.
Thomas Wood achieved the highest score on the short course and took 100 points, along with Chloe Fowler who scored just 20 points less.
Allen Smalls visited the most controls (20 out of the 31) and also got the joint top score on the long course along with Keith Bennett. Keith was back slightly quicker, but due to the handicap Allen took the 100 points.
Thank you all for attending, hopefully see you at a future event.
Dean Pepper
Anytime Catchup
Missed the event? You can still run the course on Maprun catch up until 3rd December to score for the league. Follow the links below for the PDF maps.
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
/0.6377,51.8059,12/500x400?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoicGF1bGZyb3N0IiwiYSI6ImNreHB6M2ttMjBlbnkyd28yNXZzZWJwbGQifQ.fnwThkHVCLn8Nf1UM5_AYw)
Near: Witham Lat,Lng: 51.8059,0.6377 Postcode: CM8 2DE
Open an interactive map in:
GoogleMap -
OpenStreetMap -
BingMap (OS 50k)
Related events or Information
Directions / Parking
The event starts and finishes from The Railway, 2 Chipping Hill, Witham, Essex, CM8 2DE.
The pub is hosting a quiz at 8pm, so to avoid taking all the spaces it's advised to park at either Witham station or at Newlands Drive (which is cheaper and only a 5 minute walk).
Map / Terrain
Open Orienteering Map 1:10000 printed on waterproof paper.
Course Information
Long - 60 minutes
Short - 40 minutes
This is a score event, where you can visit the controls in any order.
Controls 10-19 are valued at 10 points, 20-29 at 20 points, and 30-39 at 30 points - these are all fire hydrants.
Control 40 is valued at 40 points - this is a historical landmark.
Exceeding the course time limit will collect a penalty of 10 points per minute (or part thereof).
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 is also available - to help the pub, please let them know before you run if you would like a meal.
Nearest A&E Hospital
Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, CM1 7ET
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.
These are night events. A head or hand torch are compulsory.
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. 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
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 > Witham.
The courses are:
Witham 2025 Long
Witham 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.