The VenueS
Prince William Forest Park
The meet venue, Prince William Forest Park (PWFP), is located about 30 miles south of Washington, DC via US Interstate 95. The park entry fee is $20 per vehicle and is good for seven days. If you have a National Parks or Prince William Forest Park pass, entry is free. Park entry fees are detailed HERE.
Please adhere strictly to the speed limits in the park. Dress for the weather and consider bringing umbrellas if rain is predicted as there will be no indoor facilities available in the start/finish area. Restroom facilities will be available.
Terrain
Prince William Forest is a large park used for numerous prior national events because of its premier terrain. The terrain is typical of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge/Valley region, consisting of mixed pine and hardwood forest. The woods tend to be fast with good footing, but with sections of slower deadfall that add route choice complexity. There are few trails on the Pine Grove map. The numerous ridges range from 20-30 meters in height; the few rock features in the park are generally small. There are small streams, and one large creek bisects the Pine Grove map.
The Pine Grove and Turkey Run areas of Prince William Forest have been used for orienteering by QOC for decades and they remain a favorite terrain.
Embargoed Area
Per OUSA Rules of Competition, the Pine Grove area of PWFP is off limits for all purposes (including hiking, training or orienteering) for those competing in the Sunday event. The embargo map is here; the area is defined by the park boundary on the East and South; by Liming Ln to Scenic Dr. Loop to Turkey Run Ridge Campground on the West; and by a line due East of Turkey Run Ridge Campground on the North. Shadowing of youth racers is only permitted after the adult completes their race; following a youngster on their course (which is permitted) is still a disqualifying violation of embargo if done before the adult races.
Awards: Bragging Rights exclusively! (but we are awarding a nice souvenir to all adults - see below)
Whistles: All competitors are encouraged to carry whistles.
Timing System:
The SPORTident (SI) electronic timing system will be used. Participants may use their own SI card or borrow one when they register. The replacement fee for a lost SI card is $40. NRE Note: The punch boxes at controls will be SI Air+ enabled (so SIAC dibbers can be used), however the START and FINISH must be direct-punched.
Event Souvenir: All adults competing in either event will receive a fanny pack (1 per person, as long as supplies last; photo on home page).
Google Map to Prince William Forest Park entrance (red pin):
SatURDAY NIGHT:
PWF/TurKEY RUN
Driving to Night-O Event: Saturday Nov. 9
Directions to Turkey Run [Google map link]
Our Saturday Night-O will be in the somewhat steep yet runnable terrain surrounding the Turkey Run Educational Center.
From the North, head South on Interstate 95. Take exit 150B merging onto 619W towards Prince William Forest Park. In 0.2 miles turn right onto Park Entrance Road. In 0.5 miles turn left onto Scenic Drive. In 2 miles turn left towards Turkey Run Group Camping Area. In 0.3 miles turn right to stay on Turkey Run Road. Follow signs to parking.
From the South, head North on Interstate 95. Take exit 150 to 619W towards Prince William Forest Park. In 0.2 miles turn right onto Park Entrance Road. In 0.5 miles turn left onto Scenic Drive. In 2 miles turn left onto Turkey Run Road. In 0.3 miles turn right on Turkey Run Road. Follow signs to parking.
There are about 40 parking slots at Turkey Run Ridge. To avoid the risk of receiving a parking ticket, do not park along the park road. Please consider carpooling.
SUNDAY:
PWF/Pine GROVE
Day 2: Sunday Nov. 10
Directions to Sunday Parking [Google map link]
Sunday's classic (and NRE) courses will be held on the Pine Grove map, newly remapped in 2022 and covering the eastern part of PWFP along with the lower reaches of the north and south branches of Quantico Creek. The terrain is considered among the best terrain in the park and has been the site of numerous historic orienteering competitions.
Prince William Forest Park is located at I-95 Exit 150B (Joplin Rd - Rt 619 West). Stay right as you exit I-95, and as you travel westbound on Joplin Road, the park entrance is your second right. For parking, follow signs towards the Visitor Center; stay to the right on the park road until you see parking volunteers who will guide you.
Starts: The walk to the start is ~300m for all courses. Each competitor must check-in with the start crew to receive a start time. Competitors on the same course will start at least two minutes apart. You will be called to the first line 3 minutes before your assigned start time to check in and enter the start chute. Control descriptions will be on the map and also available at the second line. There will be a clothing drop at each start with clothing being returned to the arena.