Cambridge Sports Union  Orienteering

home • events • performance • maps • my home • join csu • sign out

The Boston Park Orienteering Series

How it works / what to expect

Before the Event

• At the start of the season, dates and general locations of the events will be posted on the website. 
• At least a week before each event, we will post exact directions to the starting/meeting point, along with some information about the terrain, course, and race format.
• By the night before each event, you should pre-register.   This lets us know exactly how many maps we need to prepare for each course.  
• After the pre-registration deadline, each person will be assigned a start time.  You will be able to find your start time posted on the site first thing in the morning (or earlier if you're up past midnight)

If you register, and subsequently decide you're not coming, please cancel your registration! This way we will know not to expect you.

What to bring

• Dress as if you were going for a run.  Some people prefer to wear pants to keep from scratching their legs in the forest.  (this is not usually much of a problem)
• Running shoes
• Some warmer clothes for standing around before/after
• A compass, if you have one.

Checking in at the event

• You will need to arrive at least 10 minutes before your start time. 
• Introduce yourself to someone with a clipboard (probably Larry Berman) who will be checking you off and collecting entry fees (usually $5).  If you've forgotten your start time, he can remind you. 
• If you would like a compass, you may rent one for a very small fee (maybe $1).

Starting (individual starts)

In this format, people will start individually at 1-minute intervals (like a cycling time-trial).  the idea is to discourage you from simply following others.

• You should be hanging around the start area as your assigned start time approaches. 
• About a minute before, the starter will call out your name to make sure you're there, and give you any final instructions. 
• 5-10 seconds before, he will hand you the map (face-down).   You aren't allowed to turn the map over or look at it yet.
• At your start time, (the starter will say "go" or something)  you may look at the map and begin your course.  

hint: if people are starting before you, it is usually a good idea to observe which way they run away from the start...

Starting (mass starts)

In this format, everyone starts at the same time . 

• The starter will make an announcement, and begin handing out maps (face-down).  he will give you some idea of exactly how much time remains before the start. 
• When he says "go!" everyone may look at their map and begin the course.  think before you follow someone, since they might have a different course than you.

On the Course (Normal format)

In a normal course, you will have a map with the start (triangle), up to 25 intermediate control points (circles) which you must visit in the numbered order, and the finish (double circle).  All these points will be connected with straight lines so that you can easily see which control is next in the sequence.  You don't have to run along the straight line though, you can go any way you choose. e.g. it might be faster to take a nearby trail, or go around a hill.  Once again, you must visit all the control points in the numbered order.   The objective is to complete the course in the least amount of time possible.  The winner will usually take about 20 minutes to complete the course.

• At each control point, there will be an orange & white flag, and a special card punch (like a clothespin with teeth) hanging. 
• Use the punch to mark its unique pattern on your map, in the appropriately numbered box.  This proves that you were actually there.

On the Course (Score format)

In this alternate format, your map will have the start/finish and many controls marked, but they will not be connected with lines.  You may visit the controls in any order.  Part of the challenge is determining the best order.  The objective is to visit as many controls as you can within the time limit.  If several people get all of them,  the winner will be whoever returned the soonest.  Do not stay out past the time limit!  you will loose points (as a penalty)  for each minute you're late.  A common time limit might be 45 or 60 minutes. You should punch the controls the same way as the normal format.

Map Exchanges

Normal format only.  In some cases, if the competition area is small, or the course has several loops, there might be a map exchange. This would be announced with the course details beforehand.  In this case, you will start with only the first part of the course on your map.  when you get to the end of the section shown on your map, you will receive a new map with the rest of the course.

Finishing

• Arrive at the finish (usually the same place as the start), where the timekeeper will record your finish time, and calculate your result.  You might need to tell him your name or show him your map so he can check that the punch marks are correct. 
• Return your compass if it's a rental.
• Have some water and cookies! 

Results

Results will not be posted at the event, but after most of the runners have returned, you may ask the timekeeper to show you his results sheet.  Most likely, the full results will be already posted on the website by the time you get home and clean yourself off.  It is our goal to post your time there within minutes after you finish.

Cambridge Sports Union