EDITORIAL MARCH 2010

March.

In March will come a day when crocuses and snowdrops gently nod

When bright new nettles break the earth and daffodils thrust strongly through to where the trees stand bare

The sky so blue, the sun so bright, the breeze so still, and then, the Blackbird's song, in England

 

John Mountain.

 

WHERE TO FIND ESSEXWALKER PICTURES IN FUTURE. GO TO :

www.flickr.com/essexwalker  (after a period pictures will be stored in "sets" which you will find as a button on the web page - the Herts Hobble 09 pictures are already also in the "sets" file where they can be viewed as thumbnails and enlarged by clicking)

STOP PRESS! ENTRIES FOR THE ESSEXWALKER CHALLENGES CLOSE EARLY APRIL. WE DO NOT TAKE ENTRIES ON THE DAY. DOWNLOAD AN ENTRY FORM NOW FROM THE HOME PAGE.

ENTRIES RECEIVED FOR ESSEXWALKER CHALLENGES 11TH APRIL 2010. DOWNLOAD ENTRY FORM FROM HOME PAGE.

SEE BELOW FOR GRID REFERENCES OF THE INTENDED ROUTES.

L = LONG ROUTE   S=SHORT ROUTE   W= WALKER   R=RUNNER

EW 2010 Entries
ID First Name Surname L or S W or R Start Time
1 Heather Robbie L W 08:30
2 Ann Bearman L W 08:30
3 Christine Phillips S W 10:00
4 Janet Underwood L W 08:30
5 Roy Carpenter S W 08:30
6 Alan Tavner L W 08:30
7 David Beattie L W 08:30
8 Eric Hall L W 08:30
9 Geoff Lee L W 08:30
10 Jan Oneill S W 10:00
11 Merv Nutburn L R 10:00
12 Fiona Nutburn S R 10:00
13 Iain Moore S W 10:00
14 Tonia Cook L R 10:00
15 David Lewis L R 10:00
16 Merrian Lancaster L W 08:30
17 David Fingel-Hawkins L R 10:00
18 Debbie Robson L W 08:30
19 Vicky Ayris L W 08:30
20 Arthur Quinn L W 08:30
21 Leila Taylor L R 10:00
22 Denys Baudry L R 10:00
23 Chris Kellett L W 08:30
24 Lisa Armstrong L W 08:30
25 Pete Johnson L W 08:30
26 William J Howes L R 10:00
27 Pauline Howes L R 10:00
28 Keith Noble L W 08:30
29 Bob Harris L W 08:30
30 Graham Baker L R 10:00
31 Roy Read L W 08:30
32 Claire Haverty L W 08:30
33 Fay Chester L W 08:30
34 Phil Hastings L W 08:30
35 Aaron Scrivener L R 10:00
36 Keith Scrivener L R 10:00
37 Nick Wilkinson S R 10:00
38 John Peacey S W 10:00
39 Pauline Peacey S W 10:00
40 Sylvia Game S W 10:00
41 David Game L R 10:00
42 Sarah Jane Thompson L W 08:30
43 Peter Johnson L R 10.00
44 Carol Wheatland L W 08:30
45 Susannah Davies L W 08:30
46 Steve Scott S W 10:00
47 Denise Scott S W 10:00
48 Fiona Chapman S W 10:00
49 Mick Weaver S W 10:00
50 Kirsty Eustace S W 10:00
51 Debbie Brearley L W 08:30
52 Chris Mansell S W 10:00
53 Christine Pluck S W 10:00
54 Helen Archer S W 10:00
55 Graeme Carey L R 10:00
56 Kevin Altria L R 10:00
57 Nikki Carey L R 10:00
58 Catherine Buchanan L W 08:30
59 Brian Schuil L W 08:30
60 Kathleen Schuil L W 08:30
61 Lynn Studd S W 10:00
62 Kim Jones S W 10:00
63 Nicola Woolgrove S W 10:00
64 Neil Fennel L R 10:00
65 Christopher Murray S W 10:00
66 Jo Murray S R 10:00
67 Peggy Clark S w 10:00
68 Linda Atkins S W 10:00
69 Keith Atkins S W 10:00
70 Paul Thomas S W 10:00
71 Karen S Thomas S W 10:00
72 Amanda Willett S R 10:00
73 Paul Kerslake S R 10:00
74 Mary Skinner S W 10:00
75 David Skinner S W 10:00
76 Charlie Gibson L W 08:30
77 Brian Barker S W 10:00
78 Joy Reardon S W 10:00
79 Ann Jarman S W 10:00
80 Linda Butcher S W 10:00
81 Clare Shepherd L W 08:30
82 Lee Higham L W 08:30
83 Jane Patton L W 08:30
84 Kay Norton S W 10:00
85 Brian Hemming S W 10:00
86 Lesley Churchill S R 10:00
87 Kathryn Hall L W 08:30
88 Kay Lane S W 10:00
89 Peter Lane S W 10:00
90 Bernadette Hawkes S W 10:00
91 Terrie Williams S W 10:00
92 Rosie McDade S W 10:00
93 Kay Jolly S W 10:00
94 Chris Jolly S W 10:00
95 Chris Boden L W 08:30
96 James Eldon L R 10:00
97 Helen Kirby S W 10:00
98 David Bland S R 10:00
99 Alan Bucke L W 08:30
100 Yvonne Sharp S W 10:00
101 Tracy Row L W 08:30
102 Scott Row L W 08:30
103 Christine Oliver S W 10:00
104 Mandy Baker S W 10:00
105 Steve Pinkney S W 10:00
106 Anne Pinkney S W 10:00
107 Brian Adcock L W 08:30
108 Jane Audsley L W 08:30
109 Paul Shiels S W 10:00
110 Joe Taylor S W 10:00
111 Kay McGill S W 10:00
112 Mike Donovan S W 10:00
113 Alison Snelling L W 08:30
114 Jean Bobker L W 08:30
115 Mary Rackham S W 10:00
116 Carol Higham S W 10:00
117 Christine Denman S W 10:00
118 Elizabeth Fletcher S W 10:00
119 Colin Hillsden L W 08:30
120 Philip Nutley L R 10:00
121 Valerie Nutley S W 10:00
122 Alan Fitch L W 08:30
123 Jane Fitch L W 08:30
124 Simon Chapman S R 10:00
125 Ray Taylor S R 10:00
126 Roger Duffield S R 10:00
127 Sarah Newton S W 10:00
128 Michael Adie S W 10:00
129 Stephen Foley S W 10:00
130 Robert Abrey L W 08:30
131 Rosemary Abrey L W 08:30
132 Frances Humphries L W 08:30
133 Robert Humphries L W 08:30

 

 

SEE BELOW FOR MAP GRID REFERENCES TO ENABLE YOU TO PREPARE YOUR OWN MAP (EXPLORER 183) FOR THE DAY. WE CLAIM YOU WILL NOT NEED A MAP BUT WE TRY TO PLEASE.

ESSEXWALKER 2010 LONG ROUTE 27.2 MILES

Many entrants like to have a copy of the map with them but it is often difficult to copy details from the map on display at the start. By plotting the following grid references on Explorer Map 183 you will get a good idea of the route to be taken. We like to think that no map is necessary with essexwalker events. Bear in mind that the route is on public footpaths and bridleways and lanes and pavements so you should be able to pick up the likely route between two widespread grid references. Always read you route description the map may help if you feel uncertain or you are in difficulties. The route runs anti-clockwise.

Grid ref.

 

TL 836 090

START/FINISH

TL 839 083

 

TL 777 091

CHECKPOINT ONE

TL 793 112

 

TL 799 112

 

TL 799 114

 

TL 785 115

 

TL 783 114

 

TL 778 118

 

TL 775 114

 

TL 771 118

 

TL 760 115

 

TL 760 113

 

TL 766 110

 

TL 761 110

 

TL 761 105

 

TL 756 101

CHECKPOINT TWO

TL 756 096

 

TL 764 080

 

TL 755 066

 

TL 782 057

TL 807 068

CHECKPOINT THREE

TL 837 070

 

TL 849 056

 

TL 863 062

TL 836 090

FINISH

For the short 14.5 miles take the first two grid references above then use

TL 790 093

LEAVE LONG ROUTE

TL 788 081

 

TL 792 083

 

TL 791 079

 

TL 798 077

 

TL 803 072

 

TL 803 070

 

TL 807 068

CHECKPOINT AND REJOIN LONG ROUTE

This information is experimental and might not be repeated in future events. Did you find it useful?

mountainjohn@metronet.co.uk

 

HAVE YOU ENTERED FOR THE ESSEXWALKER CHALLENGES DUE TO TAKE PLACE ON 11TH APRIL ?

DOWNLOAD AN ENTRY FORM FROM THE HOME PAGE. ENTRIES  ARE LIMITED.

ENTRY FORMS CAN BE DOWNLOADED FROM THE HOME PAGE FOR THE FOLLOWING EVENTS :

Hertfordshire Hobble Sunday 27th June 2010 26 and 16 mile routes. Wheathampstead, Herts.

Herts Stroller 2010 Saturday/Sunday 14/15th August. New 53 mile route. Hitchin.

Early entry for these events is recommended. Both are Essex & Herts LDWA events (open to all) and the organisers are the vastly experienced Peter and Georgie Hogg.

NEW TO CHALLENGE WALKING/RUNNING?

The "Challenge" is in the mind of the competitor. It may be to complete the distance, it may be to do a personal best time, it may be to keep up with friends, and it may be to be the first to finish. The choice is yours.

RE THE STANDARD ENTRY FORM FOUND IN "STRIDER". We prefer you to use our own entry form and NOT the SEF so we can be sure that you have all the information you require and that you have signed to comply with the special rules for our event. Our own entry form can be downloaded from www.essexwalker.org

DISTANCES QUOTED IN STRIDER. These must always be regarded as nominal because Strider entry is often made before the routes are finalised. Our long routes will always be at least standard marathon distance and the short route will be around 15 miles.

REGISTER on arrival at venue. If you do not register you are not in the event even though you have entered. All entrants are monitored throughout the event and must be accounted for. If you don’t register you don’t exist. Allow plenty of time to do this.

CHECKPOINT CARD (Note emergency number) You will be given a card bearing your number which will be signed or punched, at every checkpoint to prove that you have visited the checkpoint and have covered the whole route. MAKE SURE you get your card signed/punched or we may start a time-wasting search for you. AND you may not get your certificate. Do this before taking refreshments. There may be unexpected checkpoints to discourage shortcutting. HAND IN your card at the finish. Please remember, nobody will be looking out for you personally. Often entrants arrive at a checkpoint in groups when it is hectic for the marshal. You must ensure you get your own card punched/signed.

SELF CHECK (CLIP) (Uncommon) This is an unmanned checkpoint where you must clip your own card using the clipper provided. Failure to do so will almost certainly mean that you will not receive your certificate. Self check points are used to prevent shortcuts being taken and as a security measure.

MAPS Some events display a map of the route at the start and you may wish to copy the details onto your own map. There is usually a crush around the map(s) so allow plenty of time. Events organised by Essexwalker can be walked without a map because the greatest care is taken with the route instructions which will have been checked many times, often as many as eight times by eight different people.  Walkers keen to walk with a map can download a series of waypoints from www.essexwalker.org after the routes have been finalised.

LOOS There will be high demand for the loos, another reason to get there in good time or make use of public toilets en route to the venue. (Superstores?)

ROUTE DESCRIPTION Most route descriptions begin with a list of abbreviations, intended to save typing time and paper (e.g. TR for Turn right) but at Essexwalker we prefer not to do this. We have made every effort to ensure that our wording is not open to interpretation and the routes have been checked many times. Follow instructions and you will get round. If you feel lost backtrack to where you last felt on route and try again. Do not read too far ahead. Keep a thumb on the current paragraph so as not to lose your place. Keep your description dry. Essexwalker descriptions come in a plastic cover. (NOTE: if you have to call emergency please be prepared to give the paragraph number as an aid to locating you.) We are constantly surprised when experienced walkers DO NOT read the notes.

WALKING SPEED. You are allowed ample time to complete the course at rambling speed of around 2.5 miles per hour. Top walkers, who are trained athletes, may average 4.5 to 5mph and the day may come when you can do the same. "Take it steady" is the rule for beginners. Please bear this in mind if your event is a massed start and DO NOT ask for an early start. If you are on the short route you will not require an early start. If you are on the long route and cannot walk at the modest 2.5 mph (rambling pace) then enter for the short route. If the event is MASSED START do not ask for a special start time.

DOGS Under our terms of hire dogs are not allowed in the village hall. Dogs must be on a lead and care must be taken to ensure that leads don’t tangle with the legs of walkers and that dogs do not rush past walkers negotiating stiles. Take care that dogs do not foul checkpoints or approach food tables.

START Do not leave ahead of time. In some events entrants may leave to their own time but must register their departure time with a marshal.

CHECKPOINTS Opening and closing times are carefully calculated to accommodate both fast and slow walkers. Later start times for runners/joggers ensure that checkpoints are not open for too long. If you arrive at a checkpoint ahead of time you may have to wait to get your check card signed/punched. Fast walkers at 5mph will find the checkpoint open.

RESULTS for essexwalker events will be posted on www.essexwalker.org as soon as possible otherwise you may address an envelope at the finish and pay 50p.

ARE YOU ENTERED.? For essexwalker events a list of entries will be posted on www.essexwalker.org so you can check up that your entry has reached the organiser. The list is updated as often as possible but please allow time for your entry to come through the system.

DRIVING, it is not wise to tackle long distances immediately after a tiring walk. Take a rest.

CLOTHING It is wise to take a complete change of clothing in a hold-all for after the event.

RETIRING. You must tell an official if you retire otherwise an all-out search will be mounted to find you. If using the emergency line quote the paragraph where you are located.

COURSE MARSHALS Course marshals may be on duty at awkward places, such as road crossings. Please be guided by them for your own safety and to minimise inconvenience to other road users. Thank you.

CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES. If the event has a closing date for entries please do not attempt to enter after the closing date as this always causes embarrassment for the organiser who will have given you months to enter. The organiser wants provisions and paperwork in place so that up to 200 entrants can be properly cared for and so that no undue stress falls on volunteer marshals on the day.

SOME RULES MAY SEEM ONEROUS but organisers are doing their best to give you a happy day of walking/running and this can only happen with a degree of rule and regulation. Thank you.

 

 

 

 
 

editor@essexwalker.org

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