Patuxent

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May 31
Sunday

Pre-registration is required and will open on Monday, May 25 at 6pm and close at 12 noon on Saturday May 30.
There will be no day-of registration.

The Chase Returns - Our 50th!

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.

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.

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 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.
• 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, map and course details, CLICK HERE [2].

What to Bring

Participants should come with:

• A parched throat in need of hydration
• 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.

Volunteer

[3] Have a bit of time to help? Join the crew by signing up via this form [3] or email the Event Director [4] for other volunteering opportunities.

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.

Tentative 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.

• QOC is providing beer and water for the Chase. Hamburgers, hotdogs, lemonade (and beer) 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 2026-27 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, 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.

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.

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 here [8]).

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

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, MD (50th Chase & Potluck/Party)
Registration	Advance registration is required. Registration will open at 6pm on Monday May 25 and will close at 12 noon on Saturday May 30. [9]. Who's Registered? Check by clicking here [10].
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 50th Chase & Potluck/Party:
Volunteers	Event Director: Mark Mace [4] Event Director: Patti Mace [11] Course Designer: Peggy Dickison [12]
Location Details	50th Chase & Potluck/Party Patuxent River Park Barn parking area Upper Marlboro, MD Google Map [13] Google Map Link [14] Apple/iPhone Link [15] Printable Driving Directions (PDF) [16]
Course Details	50th Chase & Potluck/Party Course Name Length (km) Climb (m) No. Controls Beginner 2.2 15 11 Intermediate 5.1 65 17 Short Advanced 2.5 25 10 Medium Advanced 6.9 220 20 Long Advanced 10.1 270 31
Entry Fees	Special pricing applies to this event - see details above. 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 [17] (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 [18]. 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 [19] created by QOC's instructional guru David Onkst