Essex Winter Midweek Series - Colchester

Event overview

This is a night street orienteering event held at the Berechurch Arms, 177 Shrub End Road, Colchester CO3 4RG. The event is part of the Essex Winter Midweek Series 2025/26 and uses the MapRun system for electronic timing and control verification. Registration is at the rear of the pub, accessed from the car park.

Courses and scoring

Distances offered:

• Long: 7.3 km
• Short: 3.3 km

Distances are measured as direct lines between controls; actual running distance will be longer. This is a line event where controls must be visited in numerical order. All controls are fire hydrants and the printed map is 1:10,000 on waterproof paper. Points are awarded using finishing times adjusted by an age/gender handicap. Best six results from the ten-event series count for the league. Each missed or incorrect control incurs a 5-minute penalty. An on-the-night bonus of 15 points applies compared with Anytime entries; Anytime runs incur a 7-minute penalty. A second run on the same course does not count for scoring.

Entry, equipment and safety

Entry fees are shown as Senior £4.00/£5.00 and Junior/Student £2.00; juniors are under 21 on 31st December. MapRun requires a smartphone or compatible Garmin watch; the phone version needs a PIN issued at registration. Written control cards are accepted if MapRun cannot be used. This is a night event - a head or hand torch is compulsory and high visibility clothing is strongly recommended. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Toilets and food are available at the pub. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.