On the Day

Route information can be found HERE

The race will start at 10:00, there will be a race briefing at 09:30 in the front field of Acorn Village which is on Clacton road, Mistley, CO11 2NJ  MAP

Registration for the race is at Acorn Village. All entrants are required to collect their bib numbers before the race and wear them (on the front) for the duration of the race. Please remember, Acorn Village is a residential home for adults with learning disabilities; this is their home and we're visitors.

** If you have your own water bottles, please bring them! We have water and cups available but to reduce waste and help the environment we will gladly fill your bottles

    Please, no littering on the course. Anyone spotted littering will be disqualified. **


  • Arrival time Please aim to arrive at Acorn Village between 08:45-09:00 (Sunday 14th). We have 250 entrants all of which need to collect their pre-allocated bib numbers and be present and ready for the race brief.
  • Car parking will be available at Acorn Village on the front grass field (on your right as you enter) please follow the parking marshals instructions to ensure the parking goes smoothly, if you live locally and it’s a nice day, why not leave the car behind and walk up?
  • Registration will be in the Oak Room, (through the hedge and to the left) there will be marshals to point the way if you’re unfamiliar with the layout of Acorn Village, here you will collect your bib number, all entrants are registered individually and will receive their own number. Registration will close at 09:20 to allow time for a final brief, warm-up and walk to the start line.
  • Bag drop - I would encourage you to bring only what you think is essential. As per the waiver, baggage will be left at your own risk, having said that, the Oakroom will be the bag drop (if the weather is looking good there will be a gazebo in the field for bags)  and will be either staffed or locked throughout the day.
  • Pre-race brief at 09:30 - This will be on the lawn next to the Oak room, please ensure you attend this brief as it will cover any last minute changes and important safety information for all participants.
  • First Aid - Many of our marshals are first aid trained but in the event of a critical emergency please do not hesitate to call 999. We have a first aider with kit on the day of the race, Louise can be contacted directly on 07999 807743
  • If for any reason you need to pull out part way through the race, PLEASE ensure you inform a marshal or call us to let us know. This is of the utmost importance as the race will not close until all starters are accounted for.
  • The start time for all races is 10:00 near the top of Trinity Road, a short walk from Acorn Village. We will have marshals walk you to the beginning as it’s a skinny path, a loud speaker will ensure you don’t miss it. This will be at approx. 9.45am.
  • The 5k route: Starts at the top of Trinity Road and goes down Trinity road, it will be fully signed with marshals at difficult points. We have a short road closure approved for South Street and marshals positioned at all road junctions on this section however, we all know how some motorists can be and extreme caution MUST be taken on all road sections but particularly this here. Crossing the High Street we will have marshals to hold the traffic but it may be necessary to briefly hold runners/walkers to allow a build up of vehicles to clear. As the route enters the trail phase the first field can be a little wet/muddy, there are also two cow fields which we cross, these are large fields and the cows are not always there, I will update you further on the morning of the event. There will be a water stop in Furze Hills just prior to entering the woods.  The finish will be in the Acorn Village main field where you will be presented with your medal, hopefully by an Acorn Village resident and our volunteer St John Ambulance Cadets.
  • The 10k route: Starts at the beginning of Green Lane and goes along Green Lane. After approx. 1/4 a mile you will join the 5k route for a short time and within 1/2 a mile pass their water stop, shortly after this the route enters the woods and you will find a sign directing 10k runners to the left and 5k to the right. You will run the next section of path in both directions, out & back, via a loop of Bradfield. Please ensure you only pay attention to the signs directly facing you! There will be marshals at the next road crossing for your safety. Please be careful when running through Bradfield, you will need to cross the road a couple of times as the path is not continuous on either side, there are no marshals at these areas. There is a water stop in Bradfield located in a horse field which you pass through, the entrance, on the right, is a short distance after the Methodist church, also on the right. When re-entering Furze Hills woods you will again join the 5k route which you will follow back to Acorn Village and the finish line for medals and malt loaf!
  • Walking route: The walking route is the same as the 5k route above.
  • Canicross: You're welcome to follow either the 5 or 10k routes, we do have a trophy for First Dog, but only one!

 

Please feel free to stay after your race to support those coming in behind you, there will be cold drinks, a BBQ, cakes and live music available for you and your supporters to enjoy. We are fortunate enough to have been sponsored by, among others, EDME in Mistley who will be providing freshly made malt loaves for all entrants!

If you have pre-ordered a t-shirt these should be available on the day and can be collected when you pick up your bib number. T-shirts are £12. cash would be preferable but we can take card payments too. If you haven’t pre-ordered one but, on the day, realise just how great they look on the people wearing them, you’ll be able to order one which will be available shortly after race day. We will have a small number available to purchase on the day.

Please remember, all the people you see around you are volunteers…. marshals, the townsfolk of the era, the BBQ and tea & cake people, the car parkers, the singer, the photographers. Give them a big smile as you pass by!! We want them to enjoy the day as much as you.

Above all, have fun and thank you all so much for supporting your local charity for adults with learning disabilities, Acorn Village, it is a hugely deserving cause.

Finally a big thank you to all of our sponsors, without their help, this event would not have been possible., Essex & South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership., EDME Maltings ltd, Riverside Taxis, Concord Property ltd. The Red Lion, Estuary Bar, Headgate Theatre, Tendring Magazine, Tescos and the Manningtree Crown have all been very generous and supportive; Thank you.

PS: Don’t forget to pick up your free booklet either pre or post-race. It has maps of the race in, historic information, sponsor information and where to head post cake & BBQ at Acorn for a well-deserved discounted pint! Medal wearers only!!!

Terms & Conditions


Create your own online fundraising page for the Witch Finder Trail with funds going to Acorn village, use the link below.

Remember, raise over £50 and receive a free Witch Finder Trail T-shirt!


© Simon Tavner 2018