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<img src="/sites/default/files/photos/Chase-2024_350x252.jpg" align="right" style="margin: 10px 10px 10px 10px;" alt="The Chase" title="The Chase" width="350" height="252"/><b><font color="red">Pre-registration is required and will open on Monday, May 25 at 6pm and close at 12 noon on Saturday May 30.
<br>There will be no day-of registration.</font></b>
<p><h3>The Chase Returns - Our 50th!</h3>
Welcome to 50th 'The Chase', our end of season celebration event and picnic - and the longest running non-championship orienteering event nationwide! Like last year, we are returning to Patuxent River park on the west side of Jug Bay. The Chase (better known to our core crowd as the Beer Chase) is a mass start event happening at noon, involving orienteering and the quaffing of beverages. Those not interested in the mass start can begin their course anytime from 10:00am–11:20am and 12:15pm-1:30pm. One beginner course will be available (see below). The Chase will be preceded by the QOC Annual Meeting.
<p>
This event is free for all QOC members, but please pre-register as usual. Non-members can register at discounted (member) rates. There will be no registration available on the day of the event. And in honor of our 50th Chase, members in good standing as of May 1 attending the event will receive a special commemorative souvenir.
<p>
<h3>What to Expect</h3>
Participants will navigate through diverse terrains, including wooded areas, open fields, and waterways, using a map and compass. This event is designed to test your navigation skills, endurance, and for groups, teamwork. Various courses will be available to accommodate all skill levels:<ul>
<li>Beginner Course: Perfect for newcomers, offering a gentle introduction to orienteering with straightforward checkpoints and kid-friendly terrain. Beginner Instruction will be available, but be aware this course ends a bit differently than most.</li>
<li>Intermediate Course (Orange): A bit more challenging, great for those with some orienteering experience looking to improve their skills.</li>
<li>Advanced Courses: For experienced orienteers seeking a rigorous and demanding course with complex navigation.</li>
</ul>
For the Chase, intermediate and advanced courses will consist of multiple loops that will bring you back to the start area for quaffing and a map exchange. For full event, map and course details, <b><a href="/sites/default/files/Chase_2026_Details.pdf" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a></b>.
<p>
<h3>What to Bring</h3>
Participants should come with:<ul>
<li>A parched throat in need of hydration</li>
<li>Comfortable outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear</li>
<li>Water bottle and snacks</li>
<li>Compass and whistle if you have them. Loaners are available if needed.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Parking Details</h3>
Ample parking is available on both sides of the entrance road leading to the barn and pavilion. Please be alert and watch for runners.
<p>
<h3>Volunteer</h3>
<a href="https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0F4DA9A82D6-64214766-patuxent" target="_blank"><img src="/sites/default/files/volunteer_button_144x28.png" align="left" width="144" height="28" style="margin: 5px 5px 5px 5px; alt="Sign Up!"></a> Have a bit of time to help? Join the crew by signing up via <a href="https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0F4DA9A82D6-64214766-patuxent"><stro… form</strong></a> or email the <a href="https://www.qocweb.org/contact/Mace/Mark">Event Director</a> for other volunteering opportunities.
<p>
<h3>Groups</h3>
QOC allows groups of up to 4 people to orienteer together. Any youth or large groups attending this event should contact the <a href="https://www.qocweb.org/contact/Mace/Mark" target="_blank">Event Director</a> in advance so that we can coordinate pre-registration for your group. Details and the required waiver form can be found on our <a href="https://www.qocweb.org/content/group-leaders">For Group Leaders</a> webpage.
<p>
<b>Tentative Schedule</b><br>
9:30am – Early start check-in and map issue opens<br>
10:00 – Courses open for early starters<br>
11:20 – Early starts end<br>
11:25 – Barn - Annual Meeting; voting for board members; Announcements (e.g. Summer Short program)<br>
11:45 – Barn - Pre-race brief; beverage and map pickup<br>
12:00 Noon – Mass Start for The Chase<br>
12:15pm – Courses open for late starts<br>
1:30 – Last start<br>
3:00 – Courses Close; control pickup begins
<p>
<h3>Picnic</h3><img src="/sites/default/files/photos/Potluck_Cutlery_120x120.jpg" align="right" style="margin: 5px 5px 5px 5px;" alt="Potluck" title="Potluck" width="120" height="120"/>
The Annual Picnic and Awards Ceremony will take place immediately following the running of the courses.<ul>
<li>QOC is providing beer and water for the Chase. Hamburgers, hotdogs, lemonade (and beer) will be provided for the Potluck.</li>
<li>Please bring sides, salads, desserts, water and beverages for the Potluck; sign up <b><a href="https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0F4DA9A82D6-63973849-chase#/" target="_blank">here</a></b> or contact <a href="https://www.qocweb.org/contact/Yepremian/Sharmagh" target="_blank">Sharmagh</a>.</li>
<li>The Event Vice Presidents will have the 2026-27 draft event schedule available for event director and course designer sign ups – please check your calendars and come ready to volunteer!</li>
</ul>
<p>
<b>The Annual Meeting of the Quantico Orienteering Club General Membership will take place on Sunday, May 31, 2026, promptly at 11:25 AM in conjunction with the Patuxent River Park Event in the area of the Barn and Pavilion, Croom Airport Road, Upper Marlboro Maryland.</b>
<p>
Members do not need to participate in the Chase event in order to attend the meeting and cast their votes. However, if you plan to participate in the event and run a course, <b>you must pre-register</b>.
<p>
The AGM meeting has one major goal: The election of officers for the 2026-2027 Season. The Nominating Committee, chaired by Jody Landers, has recommended the following slate of officers for the coming year (full report is <b><a href="/sites/default/files/Report_of_the_QOC_Nominating_Committee_2026.pdf" target="_blank">here</a></b>).
<p>
President: Dennis Doherty<br>
Vice President Permits - MD: Mike Newman<br>
Co-Vice Presidents Events - MD: David and Reiko Rager<br>
Vice President Permits - VA: Matthew Knight<br>
Vice President Events - VA: Aaron Linville<br>
Secretary: Beátri Bennett<br>
Treasurer: David Levine
<p>
We also want to recognize and thank those who will be leaving the Board. Thanks to Craig Shelden, who has served
in a number of positions on the Board, most recently as the At Large Member from Maryland. Jody Landers will be
rotating off the Board this year, after stints as President, IPP and Nominating Committee Chair over the past 12 years.
Although he is not leaving the Board, we also want to give a BIG hearty thank you to Don Fish for his effective
leadership as the Board President for the past 6 years. Don has done a fantastic job of leading the organization and
positioning QOC for continued success in the years ahead, and he will continue on the Board as the IPP.
| Location | Patuxent River Park, Barn parking area, Upper Marlboro, Maryland | ||||||||
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| Registration | Advance registration will be required. The date and time that registration will open will be posted here; usually, registration will open at 6pm on the Monday before the event. |
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| Start Times | Start times will be by windows (to be defined for this event before registration opens). |
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| Schedule |
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| Volunteers |
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| Location Details |
Patuxent River Park, Barn parking area, Upper Marlboro, Maryland
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| Entry Fees | Individual Entries Note: juniors = under 21
Group Entries Participants are welcome to orienteer together as a group (up to the maximum for that event; usually 4). Each member of a group is charged their individual rate as shown above, up to a group total of $30 (maximum), and each receives a map. A group receives one epunch. Individuals or groups desiring to compete on a second course after completing their first can do so for a reduced fee of $2/map subject to approval at the event by the Event Director. Important Notes
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Location
Registration
Advance registration will be required. The date and time that registration will open will be posted here; usually, registration will open at 6pm on the Monday before the event.
Start Times
Start times will be by windows (to be defined for this event before registration opens).
Schedule
-
Sunday, May 31
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location Details
Entry Fees
Individual Entries
Note: juniors = under 21
| Club Member, adult | Club Member, junior | Non-Member, adult | Non-Member, junior |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10 | $5 | $20 | $5 |
Group Entries
Participants are welcome to orienteer together as a group (up to the maximum for that event; usually 4). Each member of a group is charged their individual rate as shown above, up to a group total of $30 (maximum), and each receives a map. A group receives one epunch. Individuals or groups desiring to compete on a second course after completing their first can do so for a reduced fee of $2/map subject to approval at the event by the Event Director.
Important Notes
- If you wish to become a QOC member you should join online in advance 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 will be loaned one for that event. Loaned epunches that are lost incur a $40 replacement fee. Epunches (also known as SI-cards or finger sticks) can be purchased from online vendors as described here.
- Former QOC members who have let their membership lapse pay non-member fees.
- Compasses are available at no charge, but if lost incur a $15 replacement fee.
- Please provide collateral (such as car keys) when borrowing a compass or epunch.
- Beginners are encouraged to watch relevant videos such as this one created by QOC's instructional guru David Onkst
