Essex Winter Midweek Series No3 Witham

Location
The Railway, 2 Chipping Hill, Witham, Essex, CM8 2DE

Parking
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)

Timing
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 9:00pm.

Event information
Open Orienteering Map 1:10000 printed on waterproof paper.
The printed map has been updated to show more detail than is available on the electronic version, (especially footpaths)
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.
The course is on roads and footpaths and in town parks.

Maprun
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.
The control numbers on the map start from 10, so the first digit determines the number of points. The MapRun scoring system starts from control 1, meaning the control numbers will be different on your phone/watch while running, but your score will be correct when checking in the pub.

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 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 bag if wet.

Safety
Participation is at your own risk. Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.
Bring clothing and footwear appropriate for the weather conditions.
This is a night event. A head or hand torch are compulsory.
Some paths are unlit and have rough surfaces. TAKE CARE!
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.

Facilities
Toilets are available in the pub.
Why not stay behind at the end for a drink afterwards and discuss your course and routechoice.
Food is also available - to help the pub, please let them know before you run if you
would like a meal.

Scoring
The event will form part of Essex 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. On-the-night bonus of 15 points per event for those running on the night, as opposed to MapRun catchup. 7 min penalty for Anytime. A second run on any particular course will not count for scoring purposes.
Anytime catch-up for events hopefully available for 2 weeks after the event, on MapRun.
See series website for maps and instructions.
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.
Full results will be emailed and published on the SOS and HAVOC websites.