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Sunday
Welcome to Pohick Bay Regional Park! In contrast to last year, the registration and start/finish area will be at Shelter #1 right off the park’s main parking lot, but like last year, we'll have a full set of courses from beginner to advanced. What's the park look like? Well, we can't promise the same weather, but see Ken Walker's headcam video of ~1 year ago (to the right) for one view of an advanced course run.
Course details are now posted (see below for course notes and distances), and as for timing, plan on showing up anytime between 10:45am - 1:15pm, start between 11 - 1:30, and be out of the woods by 3pm. The fixed-facility rest rooms across the road from the parking lot are closed for the winter, so we will have two port-a-johns sited at the registration area. There will also be a fixed rest facility at the boat dock area down the hill from the parking lot.
Any youth or large groups attending, please contact the Event Director so that we can coordinate pre-registration for your group; the group registration and waiver form is part of the information on our Group Leaders page.
Additional information:
- Dogs are welcome, so long as they are on a leash at all times.
- Ted Good will conduct an Advanced Training workshop at 10:30. Topic: Course Setters Tricks. Learn how course setters think and how to avoid being suckered by their tricks.
- Ted's Recommended Training Activity for Pohick: Run the tops of all hills, instead of walking to the very top, and practice avoiding course setter tricks.
- Have a questions? Just click on our Contact Us form.
Post-Race MeetUp Special! The owners of the closest ZPIZZA are offering all orienteers 10% off all purchases. Known for their menu featuring healthy sandwiches, salads and gluten-free pizza, this small chain of restaurants consistently rates highly on Yelp. Located (here) just east of the I-95/Lorton exit 163. There's also a Quizno's and a Starbucks next door if that's more your style. Either way, why not plan to meet up and talk about all that hill-climbing?
| Location | Pohick Bay Regional Park, Pavilion 3, Lorton, Virginia | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Registration | No advance registration required. Just show up and have fun! | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Start Times | You may start your course at any time during the start window listed below for your event. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule |
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| Volunteers |
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| Location Details |
Pohick Bay Regional Park, Pavilion 3, Lorton, Virginia
From southbound I-95, take exit 163 (Lorton). Go left onto Lorton Rd at the end of exit ramp. Go under the 2nd overpass and turn right onto Lorton Market St (Z-pizza is in the shopping center on the left), then go about 1.5 miles to the traffic light at Route 1. Go straight through light (the road name changes to Gunston Rd) and go about 4 miles to the park entrance on left.
After passing through the gate, continue down the main park road to the end and park in the LARGE lots to the west (by the boat launches). Walk about ~125 meters to Shelter 3, which is on the east side of the main entrance road (look for the QOC banner). Please note that a park entry fee must be paid to the attendant at the park gate. Those who live in the NOVA Parks jurisdiction (residents of Arlington, Fairfax and Loudoun Counties; Cities of Alexandria, Fairfax & Falls Church) are admitted free; please be prepared to show ID at gate. Those who live outside the jurisdiction will pay $4 per vehicle at the gate (the shelter-rental rate). PLEASE inform the attendant that they are there for the orienteering event at SHELTER 3. |
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| Course Details |
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| Course Notes |
Pohick Bay Regional Park offers lots of interesting features, steep climbs, and open woods. The courses take advantage of all three of these attributes - be especially ready for the climbs!
Please stay off of the Private Property that is marked on the map. Blue and Green runners must avoid choosing the golf course tees, greens or fairways as routes. We have also been asked to be respectful of (meaning avoid) occupied camp sites should you pass near one. NOTE: Blue and Red runners are also hereby officially reminded that extra care should be taken when approaching controls near the edge of the map! |
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| Entry Fees | Individual Entries
Non-Member: $10/adult, $6/junior (under 21 years old) Member: $6/adult, $4/junior (under 21 years old) Team or Group EntriesParticipants are welcome to compete together as a single team entry. Teams containing one or more nonmembers are charged the nonmember individual rate. Teams containing one or more adults are charged the adult individual rate. For teams to receive member or junior rates, all members of the team must be members or juniors, respectively. Each extra team map beyond the first is an additional $4. Individuals or teams desiring to compete on a second course can do so for a reduced fee of $4/map. Important Notes
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Location
Registration
No advance registration required. Just show up and have fun!
Start Times
You may start your course at any time during the start window listed below for your event.
Schedule
-
Sunday, February 26
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location Details
After passing through the gate, continue down the main park road to the end and park in the LARGE lots to the west (by the boat launches). Walk about ~125 meters to Shelter 3, which is on the east side of the main entrance road (look for the QOC banner).
Please note that a park entry fee must be paid to the attendant at the park gate. Those who live in the NOVA Parks jurisdiction (residents of Arlington, Fairfax and Loudoun Counties; Cities of Alexandria, Fairfax & Falls Church) are admitted free; please be prepared to show ID at gate. Those who live outside the jurisdiction will pay $4 per vehicle at the gate (the shelter-rental rate). PLEASE inform the attendant that they are there for the orienteering event at SHELTER 3.
Course Details
| Course Name | Length (km) | Climb (m) | No. Controls |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 1.6 | 20 | 8 |
| Yellow | 2.4 | 45 | 10 |
| Orange | 4.2 | 110 | 11 |
| Brown | 4.3 | 180 | 10 |
| Green | 5.6 | 240 | 13 |
| Red | 6.9 | 345 | 17 |
| Blue | 8.5 | 405 | 18 |
Course Notes
Please stay off of the Private Property that is marked on the map. Blue and Green runners must avoid choosing the golf course tees, greens or fairways as routes. We have also been asked to be respectful of (meaning avoid) occupied camp sites should you pass near one. NOTE: Blue and Red runners are also hereby officially reminded that extra care should be taken when approaching controls near the edge of the map!
Entry Fees
Individual Entries
Non-Member: $10/adult, $6/junior (under 21 years old)
Member: $6/adult, $4/junior (under 21 years old)
Team or Group EntriesParticipants are welcome to compete together as a single team entry. Teams containing one or more nonmembers are charged the nonmember individual rate. Teams containing one or more adults are charged the adult individual rate. For teams to receive member or junior rates, all members of the team must be members or juniors, respectively. Each extra team map beyond the first is an additional $4. Individuals or teams desiring to compete on a second course can do so for a reduced fee of $4/map.
Important Notes- At the event, we can only accept payment in cash or check; online, you may use a credit card or PayPal account.
- Most of our events use electronic timing. We will provide you with an electronic timing chip (aka e-stick, finger dibber, or SI-card) for free if you don't own one. Loaned e-sticks that are lost incur a $40 replacement fee.
- Compasses are available at no charge, but if lost incur a $15 replacement fee.
- Please provide collateral (driver's license or car keys) when borrowing a compass or e-punch.
- For additional safety, whistles are available for sale at $1/each.
- Free beginner instruction is always available - just ask at the registration table.
