Expected  
    Course      Length    Climb  Controls  GPS Length  Winning Time
    Beginner    2.4 km     90 m     16       3.6 km       23 min    
    Sprint      2.1 km     75 m     18       3.2 km       13 min  
    Middle      4.4 km    165 m     18       5.3 km       28 min   
    Long        6.5 km    240 m     35       8.5 km       46 min 

Beginners should be aware that the course lengths above represent the cumulative straight-line distances between the controls. The actual distance you will travel will depend on your route choices (and any errors you might make), and will certainly be somewhat longer. ("GPS Length" indicates the "optimum" actual course distances.) The climb numbers represent the amount of ascent one would experience on the "optimum route", without regard for any decent along the course.

Be sure to read the Course Setter's Notes for more information.

Which Course to Choose?

Beginner Course: This is a good way for newbies to be exposed to orienteering map conventions. The course winds around the campus offering relatively easy route choices, but gets more technical as you progress along the course. If you would like a short class in orienteering and how to read the map, please come between 9:30 and 10:30 for a free beginner's clinic.

Sprint Course: A short course set to international sprint standards that tests precise map reading and quick decision-making. This course shares no control points with the Middle course, and can be done as a second course to it. If you do this course, you should not then do the Long course, because part of the course will be a duplication.

Middle Course: A middle-length sprint-style course with more route choice challenges than the Sprint course. This course shares no control points with the Sprint course, and can be done as a second course to it. If you do this course, you should not then do the Long course, because part of the course will be a duplication.

Long Course: A long sprint-style course with 35 controls. Roughly a combination of the Sprint and Middle courses. Do not run the Sprint or Middle course before or after the Long, as you will just be repeating yourself. Note: The Long course has too many controls for some E-punch sticks. If you own a SI-5 or SI-8 E-stick (look here to see how to tell), you can temporarily exchange it for a higher-capacity stick at registration.

Schedule

  9:00 AM – Registration opens

  9:30 AM – Beginner's clinic instruction (free)

10:00 AM – Starts open, you can start on courses anytime until 12:30

  2:00 PM – Courses close, checkpoint pick-up begins

Beginner's clinics are short, repeating sessions that provide an introduction to orienteering and enough instruction to be able to complete the Beginner course. The sessions will begin at 9:30 continue until about 10:30 (depending on demand).

Please note that everyone must return to the Finish by 2:00 PM, and check in at E-punch, even if you don't complete your course, so we can have everyone accounted for and start checkpoint pick-up on time so those volunteers can get home.

What to Bring

Running attire and running shoes are fine. Comfortable outdoors attire and walking shoes are fine for those who will walk their course.

A compass is not necessary, but can be helpful. We have compasses available for a $1 rental fee.

We time the courses with the SPORTident system, so a SPORTident fingerstick is required for each team​—​they rent for $5. (Use of the "E-punch" system is easy. You can learn how at the event, or read about it here.)

Venue Facilities

Water and restrooms should be available inside Barrows Hall. However, there is a possibility that Barrows Hall will be closed that day. If so, there will be open restrooms at Sproul Hall about 150 meters away.

No snacks will be served at this event. There are many food opportunities just steps away on Bancroft Way.

Registration and Costs

At registration, all juniors must be accompanied by parents or legal guardians, or bring with them a waiver signed by their parent or legal guardian (the registration form is available here (PDF/38KB) (http://baoc.org/pdfs/entry_form.pdf)).

Information about event pricing is available in the club FAQ. The cost exception at this event is that all second courses are free.

The following optional fees also might apply to you:

• $1 for a compass rental
• $5 for an electronic finger-stick rental (each team will need one to complete the course)
• $15 for the lowest-cost individual 1-year BAOC membership

Request for Volunteers

For this event to happen, we need to add a few more volunteers. Volunteering is fun (and easy), and is an opportunity to meet people (and support the club's events). All volunteers will be able to run their desired courses. Please choose one of the following positions and tell :

Registration (time TBD)

Beginner’s clinics (9:30–10:30 AM)

Control Pick up (2:00–3:00 PM)

Location on Campus

Registration will be held at the Barrows Hall Courtyard (http://www.berkeley.edu/map/3dmap/3dmap.shtml?barrows), which is located on the south side of the campus, near Sather Gate and Sproul Plaza. Here is a campus map (http://berkeley.edu/map/maps/large_map.html) (Barrows Hall is at D4–D5). Also, this map shows the location of the event (and other upcoming BAOC events).

Parking

Parking, although always tight, is free on Sunday along the roads south and north of the main campus (Bancroft and Hearst, respectively). Arrive early to secure space on Bancroft near Telegraph (closest to Barrows Hall). More free Sunday parking is available on the streets south of Bancroft. There are many pay spaces around the campus and in nearby garages.

Public Transit