Mason Neck

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December 18
Sunday

Pre-registration is required for this event, opening Monday, Dec. 12 at 6pm and closing Saturday Dec. 17 at 12 noon.
There will be no day-of registration.

Looking for a last chance in 2022 to get out in the woods? Join us as we return to Mason Neck for the first time in almost two years.

Orienteering in Mason Neck provides a distinctive navigation experience due to the flatness of this coastal plain terrain. The park's subtle contours (2.5 meter contour interval rather than the standard 5 meters) and relatively few features present a change from the usual spur and reentrant terrain typical of our area. At Mason Neck you'll enjoy fast running and the chance to develop your compass skills and pace counting. Runners have their choice of a full set of classic courses (details are now below) designed by Mark Thomsen that take advantage of the parks unique topography.

Check in will be on the west side of the main parking area. Follow QOC signage from the turn off of Gunston Road.

Volunteer SignUps: If you'd like to help out at this event click here. You can also contact the event directors (listed below).

Also keep in mind:

• QOC will continue to use pre-registration as the ONLY method of sign-up for our events. There will be NO day-of, on-site registration. Refunds are paid only in the case of event cancellation. We are unable to handle cash transactions at the event.
• Masks are optional at all locations connected with the event. Please continue to minimize clustering at and around the check-in, e-punch, start and finish areas.
• Beginner instruction is available to provide an overview of the orienteering basics for newcomers to the sport or those who just want a refresher.
• We will continue our policy of not providing WATER or food to participants at our events aside from an emergency water for first aid purposes only. So don't forget your canteens/Camelbacks/other hydration arrangements.
• As with last season, there will be eight 15-minute check-in windows followed by two 45-minute windows.

Additional Information:

• There is a park entry fee of $10 per vehicle that is collected at the park gate.
• Any youth or large groups attending, although you will be pre-registering online, please contact one of the Event Directors (below) to let them know of your plans and numbers for their awareness.
• The size of start teams (groups of individuals orienteering together with one e-punch) on a course must be no more than four (4) individuals (juniors and adults combined).
• Dogs are welcome in this park but must be kept on leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.
• The rest rooms at Mason Neck are adjacent to the check in area and will be open for our event.