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Sunday
Pre-registration is required and will open Monday, May 17 at 6pm, closing at 12 noon on Saturday May 22, the day before the event. There will be no day-of registration.
It's the 51st Chase! We continue the QOC tradition of holding the longest running non-championship annual orienteering event in US history, which also serves as the last event of the 2026-2027 season - and a great reason to have a party.
The wooded terrain has been expanded over the years to new sections south and west of Riffleford Road, and we'll have the usual Mass Start and variety of courses. Vegetation here tends to run ahead of the map — areas marked as open or lightly wooded are often a bit thicker than shown, and there are unmapped walking and bike trails in places, so trails near Seneca Creek itself are often the more reliable route. Several of the advanced courses cross an active disc golf course inside the park, so orienteers should keep an eye out for players and discs in flight.
Maryland charges a park entrance fee (a few dollars per person, waived for Maryland Golden Pass holders). Check-in for this event is at the Blue Jay Pavilion, near the parking area shared with the Nuthatch Pavilion.
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 | Pre-registration is required. Registration opens at 6pm on the Monday before this event and closes at 12 noon the day before the event. |
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| Location | Seneca Creek State Park, Clopper Lake, Blue Jay Pavilion, Gaithersburg, Maryland | ||||||||
| Driving Directions |
Seneca Creek State Park, Clopper Lake, Blue Jay Pavilion, Gaithersburg, Maryland
Google Maps Link Apple/iPhone Link
From I-270, Gaithersburg, MD, take Exit 10 west on Rt 117/Diamond Ave. which becomes Clopper Rd. Go west about 2 miles and turn left into the park entrance. Proceed straight passing the first intersection and a parking area. If the event is being held during a time of year when it's collected, pay $3/pp or $5/pp (MD state, vs out-of-state) at the entrance gate, then bear right at the next intersection. You may see the lake on your left. After about 0.5 mile, just before the road crosses the dam, turn right onto the small road heading to the Blue Jay and Nut Hatch Pavilions. Both pavilions are in the woods south of their shared parking lot; Blue Jay is to the west. Please carpool if possible. If the lot is full, you may park on the NW shoulder of the road leading to the parking lot.
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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
Pre-registration is required. Registration opens at 6pm on the Monday before this event and closes at 12 noon the day before the event.
Schedule
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Sunday, May 23
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location
Driving Directions
Google Maps Link
Apple/iPhone Link
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, and check each event's Entry Fees section for group size limits and pricing.
- 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.
