Great Falls MD

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November 18
Sunday

This event is SOLD OUT.

It's just about time for our classic annual run through the C&O National Historic Park, commonly known as Great Falls Park. Start times will be as usual (start anytime between 11am - 1:30pm), and be out of the woods by 3pm. Note that pre-registration is now open closed.

As in recent years, we are restricted to having 3 courses: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. Course details are posted below - please read them! Please note that the Advanced course is relatively long (~8 km); if you do register for it, yet on event day are concerned about your ability to finish it, before you start the course please speak to the Event Directors (at the event) about potential alternatives.

Additionally:

• Map scales are 1:7,500 for the beginner course and 1:10,000 for the intermediate and advanced courses;
• An Event Locator Map is available here;
• An online listing of registered participants (other than those in large youth groups) can be viewed anytime here.
• NOTE: Online registration is now closed.
• There will be no "walk up" registration on the day of the event during the normal registration time window. However, unregistered individuals wishing to go out on a course can place their names on a waitlist at the event, and we will release no-show slots between 1:15 - 1:30pm in order to the names on the waitlist (and invoice later by PayPal). [FYI, we anticipate very few no-shows.] Everyone must (still) be out of the woods no later than 3pm.
• The check-in and start areas are co-located just a bit south of the Great Falls Tavern. Park in the large lot then walk south past the (heated) bathroom building and Tavern to find us. [Locator map is here.] The Tavern's Visitor Center and museum is open until 4:30pm, and there's no admission charge.

• Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash 6 feet or less in length at all times, and they are not allowed on the Billy Goat Trail or the Falls Overlook Trail (none of the QOC courses involve going on these trails). This park is a trash-free park, which also means all (dog) waste must be picked up and packed out.
• Starbucks Via coffee will be served at our post-race refreshment stand (along with hot chocolate and tea).

Back by Popular Demand: Post-Race Potomac Pizza Palooza! After your race, take advantage of a 1/2 price pizza deal at a nearby restaurant, Potomac Pizza. Normally $17 for a large cheese and tomato pizza, just wave your QOC map at Guillermo the friendly manager and you'll get this 8 slice pizza for just $9, and additional toppings are only $1 each. There's seating for everyone at this friendly local place with a full menu, free soda refills, and it's no problem to go "as you are" post-race. There's plenty of room to go over your map and routes and meet up with your fellow orienteers. The address is 9812 Falls Rd in Potomac; to get there, just take a left at the stop sign as you exit the park, and in less than 2 miles take a left just before River Road into the Potomac Promenade parking area. Directions are also shown in the Event Locator Map.