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Sunday
Pre-registration is required and will open Monday, September 28 at 6pm, closing at 12 noon on Saturday Oct. 3, the day before the event. There will be no day-of registration.
Gunston Hall is the historic Colonial-era estate of George Mason, principal author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights and a key influence on the U.S. Bill of Rights, located along the Potomac River east of Lorton, Virginia, just past the entrance to Pohick Bay Regional Park.
A full set of classic courses, White through Blue, is planned. Course details, course-setter notes and start-time information will be posted below closer to the event.
Volunteer: QOC events run entirely on volunteer help, from course setting and check-in through control pickup. A sign-up link for this event will be posted here closer to the date; in the meantime, you can offer help through our Contact Form.
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| Registration | Advance registration is required. Registration is expected to open Monday, September 28 at 6pm and will close on Saturday, October 3 at 12 noon. |
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| Location | Gunston Hall, Main parking area, Lorton, Virginia | ||||||||
| Driving Directions |
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, then go ~1.5 miles to the traffic light at Route 1. Go straight through light (the road name changes to Gunston Rd) and go ~4 miles to the entrance to Gunston Hall on left (identified with orienteering sign; overview map here.) |
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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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| FAQ |
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Registration
Advance registration is required. Registration is expected to open Monday, September 28 at 6pm and will close on Saturday, October 3 at 12 noon.
Schedule
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Sunday, October 4
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location
Driving Directions
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, then go ~1.5 miles to the traffic light at Route 1. Go straight through light (the road name changes to Gunston Rd) and go ~4 miles to the entrance to Gunston Hall on left (identified with orienteering sign; overview map here.)
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.
- There is no planned, on-site beginner instruction, but beginners are encouraged to watch relevant videos such as this one created by QOC's instructional guru David Onkst
FAQ
- What should I expect at a QOC orienteering event?
Participants navigate through diverse terrain — wooded areas, open fields, and sometimes waterways — using a map and compass. QOC offers a full range of courses to suit every skill level, from beginner-friendly to advanced, so newcomers and experienced orienteers can compete side by side. Events test your navigation skills and endurance, and, for groups, teamwork, all at your own pace.
- What should I bring to a QOC event?
Comfortable outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear suited to the terrain and weather, a water bottle and snacks, and a compass and whistle if you have them — loaners of both are available if needed.
- Do I need experience to try orienteering with QOC?
No experience is necessary. Beginner instruction is offered on-site at every event, and newcomers can prepare in advance with QOC's Your First Event and For Beginners pages, including this instructional video from QOC's David Onkst. Any other questions can be sent through our Contact Form.
- Can I orienteer with a group?
Yes — QOC welcomes groups of orienteers at most events. See our Group Leaders page for tips on running as a group.
- What is QOC's registration policy?
QOC uses pre-registration only — there is no day-of, on-site registration, and refunds are issued only if an event is cancelled. Each event's own Registration section lists that event's specific sign-up window.
- Are pets allowed at QOC events?
Well-behaved pets are welcome at most venues, but must be kept on a leash and under the owner's control at all times. Check each event's own announcement for any venue-specific restrictions.
- How can I volunteer at a QOC event?
QOC runs on volunteer support, from course setting and registration to control pickup — no experience is necessary for most roles. Each event's announcement includes a way to sign up (usually a SignUpGenius link) or to contact that event's director directly to offer help.
