The Chase

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June 1
Sunday

The Chase Returns!

The 49th Chase

Welcome to 49th 'The Chase', our end of season celebration event and picnic. This year, we are returning to Patuxent River park on the west side of Jug Bay. The 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. Regular beginner courses will also be available. The Chase will be preceded by the QOC Annual Meeting.

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.

What to Expect

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:

• Beginner Courses (White and Yellow): Perfect for newcomers, offering a gentle introduction to orienteering with straightforward checkpoints and kid-friendly terrain. Beginner Instruction will be available.
• Intermediate Course (Orange): A bit more challenging, great for those with some orienteering experience looking to improve their skills.
• Advanced Courses: For experienced orienteers seeking a rigorous and demanding course with complex navigation.

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 and course details, CLICK HERE [2].

What to Bring

Participants should come with:

• Comfortable outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear
• Water bottle and snacks
• Compass and whistle if you have them. Loaners are available if needed.

Parking Details

Ample parking is available on both sides of the entrance road leading to the barn and pavilion. Please be alert and watch for runners.

[3] Volunteer: Sign up for a volunteer slot via this form [3], or email the Event Director [4] directly for other options.

Groups

QOC allows groups of up to 4 people to orienteer together. Any youth or large groups attending this event should contact the Event Director [4] in advance so that we can coordinate pre-registration for your group. Details and the required waiver form can be found on our For Group Leaders [5] webpage.

Schedule
9:30am – Early start check-in and map issue opens
10:00 – Courses open for early starters
11:20 – Early starts end
11:25 – Barn - Annual Meeting; voting for board members; Announcements (e.g. Summer Short program)
11:45 – Barn - Pre-race brief; beverage and map pickup
12:00 Noon – Mass Start for The Chase
12:15pm – Courses open for late starts
1:30 – Last start
3:00 – Courses Close; control pickup begins

Picnic

The Annual Picnic and Awards Ceremony will take place immediately following the running of the courses. Sharmagh Yepremian has agreed to lead organizing the potluck – again!

• QOC is providing beer, water, and lemonade. Hotdogs, lemonade and some water will be provided for the Potluck.
• Please bring sides, salads, desserts, water and beverages for the Potluck; sign up here [6] or contact Sharmagh [7].
• The Event Vice Presidents will have the 2025-26 draft event schedule available for event director and course designer sign ups – please check your calendars and come ready to volunteer!

The Annual Meeting of the Quantico Orienteering Club General Membership will take place on Sunday, June 1, 2025, 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.

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, you must pre-register.

This meeting has one major goal: The Election of Officers for 2025-2026 Season. The Nominating Committee, chaired by Jody Landers, has recommended the following slate of officers for the coming year (full report is here [8]).

President: Don Fish
Vice President Permits - MD: Mike Newman
Co-Vice Presidents Events - MD: David and Reiko Rager
Vice President Permits - VA: Dennis Doherty
Vice President Events - VA: Aaron Linville
Secretary: Beátri Bennett
Treasurer: David Levine

Our thanks and appreciation go out to Matt Smith, who has done an outstanding job as the Event Vice President for Virginia.

Location	Patuxent River Park, Barn parking area, Upper Marlboro, MD (The Chase & Potluck/Party)
Registration	Advance registration is required and is now open. Registration will close as 12 noon on Saturday May 31 (the day before the event). [9]. Who's Registered? Check by clicking here [10].
Start Times	Participants will register in advance for one of three start options: Early (10 - 11:20am), Mass Start, or Late (12:15 - 1:15pm). The Early and Late options will avoid the Mass Start (but where's the fun in that?)
Schedule	Sunday, June 1 10:00 am - 3:00 pm The Chase & Potluck/Party:
Volunteers	Event Director: Mark Mace [4] Course Designer: Peggy Dickison [11]
Location Details	The Chase & Potluck/Party Patuxent River Park Barn parking area Upper Marlboro, MD Google Map [12] Google Maps Link [12] Apple/iPhone Link [13] Printable Driving Directions (PDF) [14]
Course Details	The Chase & Potluck/Party Course Name Length (km) Climb (m) No. Controls White 1.7 25 9 Yellow 2.9 35 12 Orange 5.7 75 19 Beige 3.4 35 11 Brown 4.7 70 18 Green 5.9 75 20 Red 7.6 100 26 Blue 9.4 150 32
Course Notes	The Chase & Potluck/Party For course & event details, CLICK HERE [2].
Entry Fees	Special Fees apply to this event; see above for details. Important Notes If you wish to become a QOC member you should join online in advance via this webpage [15] (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 [16]. 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 [17] created by QOC's instructional guru David Onkst.