Fountainhead

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September 13
Sunday

Fountainhead

Come enjoy a full set of courses in this classic QOC terrain, courtesy of Course Setter (US team member) Hannah Culberg. The full range of courses - on an updated map no less - includes white (beginner) through blue (advanced). No preregistration is needed, and event timing is: registration open from 10:45am - 1:15pm, start anytime between 11am - 1:30pm, and be out of the woods by 3:00pm. Full course details and course setter comments are posted below.

As usual, youth groups and other large groups planning to attend this event should contact the Event Director in advance 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:

  • As long as it's dry enough, the nearby mountain bike course is expected to be open (weather dependent), so bring your bike and get a great ride before or after running an orienteering course. PDF map via this page. In case of rain, call the trail hotline at 703-250-9124 to check on status.
  • Carpooling is encouraged as a courtesy to other park users.
  • Dogs on leash are welcome.
  • GPS watch loaner program continues, for anyone interested in trying one out. See Jon Torrance at the event.
  • FYI: at this time of year, the miniature golf course and the marina (including boat rental) are also open.
  • Feel free to use our Contact Us form if you have any questions!

Location

Fountainhead Regional Park, Main parking area, Fairfax Station, VA (Classic)

RegistrationNo advance registration required. Just show up and have fun!
Start TimesYou may start your course at any time during the start window listed below for your event.
ScheduleSunday, September 13
11:00 am - 3:00 pmClassic:
Volunteers
Event Director:Aaron Linville
Event Director:Laura Linville
Course Designer:Hannah Culberg
Location Details

Classic
Fountainhead Regional Park
Main parking area
Fairfax Station, VA
Google Map

One route among several: Take I-95 south of the Beltway, exit at Lorton Road (exit 163), go west 2.1 miles (4th stop light) and at the end of the road take a right onto Route 123. Drive 1.3 miles to Hampton Road, then turn left just past the fire station and drive 3 miles to the park entrance on the left.
Google Maps Link
Apple/iPhone Link
Course DetailsClassic
Course NameLength (km)Climb (m)No. Controls
White 1.8909
Yellow 2.49510
Orange 2.914013
Brown 3.114512
Green 4.520515
Red 631019
Blue 7.335519
Course NotesClassic

Fountainhead is well mapped, and runners will enjoy a nice forest with many interesting features. Of note - I have flagged a few indistinct trails with orange streamer to assist white, yellow, and orange runners in following the trails where it may not be obvious. White runners will encounter a section between controls 6 and 7. Yellow runners will use the same trail section between their 4th and 5th controls. Orange runners will encounter multiple flagged trails between their 6th and 9th controls.

The black X feature at Blue control #5 is an old tire.

The northern edge of the map is out of bounds as it goes from park land to private property. This is marked on the map with a grey boundary line and purple hash covering all out of bounds areas north of the boundary. This boundary is not marked in the terrain in any way, and because the park is narrow, many courses will take you near the boundary. Please pay attention to your map is these areas and do your best to avoid this private property.

Entry FeesIndividual Entries

Note: juniors = under 21

Club Member, adult Club Member, junior Non-Member, adult Non-Member, junior
Epunch Owner $5 $5 $10 $5
Epunch Borrower $10 $5 $15 $10

Team or Group Entries

Participants 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 $2. Individuals or teams desiring to compete on a second course can do so for a reduced fee of $2/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.
  • You may become a member at the event or by joining online via this webpage (which also explains the member benefits). Membership is completely optional.
  • Most of our events use an 'epunch' timing chip for electronic timing. Individuals or groups without their own epunch pay a higher entry fee (see above), which includes the loan of an epunch for that event. Loaned epunches that are lost incur a $40 replacement fee. Epunches (also known as SI-cards or finger sticks) are usually available for sale at each event as described here.
  • 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 epunch.
  • For additional safety, whistles are available for sale at $1/each.
  • Free beginner instruction is always available - just ask at the registration table.