Essex Summer Midweek Series 2026 No.2 - Writtle

Thu 30th Apr 2026

Type of event: Local
Type of terrain: Parkland, Urban
League: HAVOC/SOS

Information updated: 9th Apr

Info

Event 2 of the Summer 2026 midweek series

The event will form part of the Essex Summer 2026 Midweek Series.  Points will be awarded based on final score adjusted using an age/gender handicap system.  Best 6 results from the 8-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.

The event will be run strictly in accordance with published BOF and Government guidance.  It is a condition of entry that participants agree to follow the BOF COVID19 Participant Code of Conduct.

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 street orienteering you are 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.  Some roads do not have pavements so take extra care.  

Note: BOF insurance rules changed on 1st Jan 2026, so non members will no longer be covered by BOF public liability insurance.  Details here.

Post race: 

Rose and Crown, Writtle

Address: 57 The Green, Writtle, Chelmsford CM1 3DT

Location

Location map

Nearest town: Writtle

Directions / Parking

The event starts and finishes at:

Rose and Crown, Writtle

Address: 57 The Green, Writtle, Chelmsford CM1 3DT

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The pub is located on Writtle green.  This is accessible by bus from Chelmsford Rail station (15 min journey, buses every 20 mins, return buses until 21.57).

The pub car park is quite small, so it is advised to park in one of the two larger car parks to the west of the Green.

Facilities

Toilets in pub for customers

Newcomers welcome. Help and guidance available.

Terrain Description

Map: OOM urban  

Controls will mostly be fire hydrants; some will be home made signs, or other pieces of street furniture. If MapRun fails, you need to record the lower number on fire hydrants, or otherwise as indicated.

Registration & Start Times

Start at times between 6.30pm and 7.30pm.  Competitors must report to the finish by 9pm. 

Course Information

One Score course

Two time limits - Long (60 mins), Short (40 mins)

There are 35 controls to locate around Writtle. Each is a fire hydrant sign, some (two) being homemade. Controls can be taken in any order, and control weighting is varied: 11 to 19 being 10 points, 21 to 29 being 20 points, 31 to 39 being 30 points, and 41 to 49 being 40 points.

For ease of identification points are equivalent to the first digit of each numbered control.

There is a penalty of 30 points per minute or part minute if you are late back over the time limit. 

As 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.

Entry Details

On Racesignup

£4 Seniors, £2.00 under 21 or students.  Additional £1 levy if not a member of BOF, to cover insurace costs.  Golden Ticket gives automatic entry to all events in the series, at a reduced rate.

We are going to run this event using the MapRun software.  Therefore, please use a smartphone (or Garmin watch) and ensure you have latest version of MapRun installed and the course is downloaded to your phone/watch before you arrive.  No competitive scoring is available manually, but you are still welcome to run without using MapRun, and manaual scoring/timing will be used.

Note: All competitors will still recieve a paper map - no need to squint at your phone to see the route!

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 on the HAVOC website.

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

The courses are:

Writtle Summer Score 2026 Long

Writtle Summer Score 2026 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.  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, and your score will be non-competitive. With this approach, timing will be manually by a traditional clock, and written answers will be checked by the planner.

Contacts / Officials

Organiser/Planner –  Dale Bennett

Series Coordinator – David Float   Email: Tel: 07801 216634

Safety and Risk

A comprehensive risk assessment will have been carried out by the organiser, but participants take part at their own risk and are responsible for their own safety during the event.

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