Back to Witham

12 September 2026 - By Karen Flowers

Hi All,

We return reluctantly back to Witham next week to start our Autumn/ Winter training season.

I always like to take the opportunity before hand to refresh members and let our newer members know how our autumn/ winter season works and about our running etiquette as the nights draw in.

Our Tuesday runs are still at 7pm and we meet at either Maltings Academy or Rickstones Academy – alternating each month. We start next week at Rickstones and will remain there until the end of September, with our first run in October starting from Maltings Academy and so on.

On the last Tuesday of each month (starting from October) we will run from a Witham based pub – normally either Rivenhall Oaks Golf Club or The Saxon Arms, to try and change things up a bit as well as a chance to stay for a drink and/ or something to eat afterwards. Over the next several months though we may try out other pubs further afield.

We have 10 risk assessed routes around Witham – which, like our pub runs, will be available to download or print prior to each Tuesday.

Running Etiquette

My aim, is always that every runner that runs with us, runs safely.

Despite my best efforts though, we still had several minor accidents last year (fewer than the year before though), thankfully none were too serious!

So this year I would be a very happy chairperson if we all come back safe and injury free each week.

So how do we make this happen?

1. Hi-Viz is now compulsory on Tuesday and Thursday nights – all runners need to wear either a head or chest torch or a hi viz vest. Wearing a brightly coloured t-shirt or shorts is not enough! No hi-viz means no running.
2. All pace groups will now have a pace leader. Any group larger than 10 runners should have a pace leader in the front and an experienced WRC runner at the back of the group.
3. Each group should have at least one runner with a mobile.
4. Pace Leaders need to ensure that the correct pace is kept at all times. Runners need to ensure though that they are running in the right paced group as well, if you are unsure whether you can run at a specific pace for 5 miles, run with a slower group. BUT always ensure that you run at that group’s pace and not any faster!! 
5. Pace Leaders must know the route.
6. Pace Leaders need to ensure turn backs are done so that there are never runners left behind.
7. If runners are unable to keep at the group pace, they have the option to join a group behind them – the pace leader though needs to manage that process.
8. Runners wanting to take a shorter route to go back to the venue, cannot run back on their own and must have another runner from their group with them.
9. Runners should not run in the road, unless deemed safe by the pace leader, pavements should always be the first choice.
10. Runners should always yield to pedestrians and communicate that with the pace group.
11. Runners should not cross roads unless deemed safe by the pace leader and the group should cross together.
12. Any accident that occurs needs to be reported to either Andy Watson or Jenny Layley (our Welfare Officers) on your return. A form will be sent to you to complete so that we can report the incident to EA.
13. All coaches have first aid bags in their cars so any minor cuts/ abrasions can be dealt with back at the venue.

All routes have been risk assessed, but as I am sure you are all aware, the state of the roads and pavements need a lot to be desired. As such, great care should be taken whilst running at night. If however, whilst running a route, you think a part of it need reassessing, please let either a member of the committee or coaching team know.

I said it last year and I unfortunately need to say it again, the traffic around Witham is still increasing and as such we really need to be careful whilst running around town at night. We cant always assume a car will stop at a zebra crossing, or stop, if you cross the road, so we need to be careful. Stop and assess the situation before crossing.

I will now get off my soapbox!

Lets have fun and stay safe!

Karen