Mason Neck

Results are posted below as well as on Attackpoint and WinSplits, and don't forget to your routes in our new, upgraded (and Java-free) version of RouteGadget.

Reminder! Our next event is Sunday, May 11 at Maryland's Patapsco SP McKeldin area, and in addition to the regular, day-of registration for white, yellow, orange and brown courses, there is a special Mass Start event - the 'Spring Tumble' - at noon for advanced orienteers. Registration for the Spring Tumble is now open (until Friday midnight) via the event webpage, and it's the only way to guarantee getting a map - so if you're a green, red or blue course runner, sign up now!

This was a wonderful spring day at Mason Neck with lots of sun and the temperatures reaching into the mid/upper 70’s by the end of the day. We had an excellent turnout with 154 starts on a full complement of courses designed by Gary Smith and Karla Hulett. The area received lots of rain earlier in the week leading to some concerns about mud on the course, but that was not the case. The only lingering effects the rain had resulted in the marshy areas ending up being much larger than depicted on the maps. Based on the stories I heard from some of the competitors, anyone attempting to use a marsh as a reference point probably discovered that wasn't such a great idea. If anything, that was a good lesson to take away from this event.

As with all of our events, volunteers are key to their success. Many thanks to the following volunteers: Registration – Brooke Burinton, Paul Hession, and Gary Smith; Beginner Instruction – John Baker and Jim Chaplin; E-punch – Amy Louden, Valerie Meyer, and Mary Snieckus; and Control Pick-up – John Baker, Eddie Bergeron, Rae Ann Hicks, Mihai Sirbu, Gary Smith, and Howie Weinstein.

Jess Lowry, David Stapleton, and the Mason Neck State Park staff were very supportive of our event. The main parking area became filled not only with QOC participants but other park users as well. This caused some participants to begin parking in non- designated parking spots. The staff was more than understanding and did not cite these cars. Rather, they only issued warning notices. Additionally, they undertook parking duties by directing cars to the authorized overflow parking areas. This was a tremendous help and an unexpected point (to both the Mason Neck staff and QOC personnel) that needs to be coordinated at future Mason Neck events.

Overall, it was a great event and we all look forward to returning.

Mark Hicks, Meet Director