Mason Neck

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May 4
Sunday

Welcome back to Mason Neck State Park, known for it's water views and fast, flat terrain (and 5 foot contours). Bring a bike or canoe (see below) and enjoy the park after your run, or cool off in the renovated Nature Center. Event registration will be from 10:45am - 1:15pm, you can start your course anytime between 11am - 1:30pm, and courses close at 3pm. Full course details are now posted below, but please also check at the event for updates due to the recent rains.

Ample parking and flush toilets are available at the assembly area. A state park entrance fee of $5 per vehicle will be collected upon entrance to the park. We will also hope to have the use of a large (pavilion style) tent, so feel free to bring food or beverages.

Mason Neck Woods Any youth or large groups attending, please contact the Event Director so that we can coordinate pre-registration for your group; the group registration and waiver form is part of the information on our Group Leaders page.

Mason Neck State Park is also a great place for exploration on the water or by bike (a very smooth and family-friendly bike path runs through much of the park). Of note:

  • Bring your own canoe or kayak, or rent one. Rental rates are $10/hr for a kayak, $15/hr for a tandem kayak, and $12/hr for a canoe (all + tax).
  • A 2.5 hour guided kayak tour is conducted on Sunday mornings at 9am. Cost is $15 per person; reserve a spot by calling the park office at (703) 339-2385.
  • Bring your own bikes, or rent one. Rental rate is $5/hr.
  • There's a fine playground quite near our registration area.
  • Dogs are welcome in the park, but must be on a leash of length 6 feet or less at all times and "with a human on the other end", as a park ranger said.

zpizza Post-Race MeetUp Special! ZPIZZA has a new offer for all orienteers this time: a free cookie or beverage with any purchase of $6 or more (two pizza slices). Known for their menu featuring healthy sandwiches, salads and gluten-free pizza. Located (here) just east of the I-95/Lorton exit 163. There's also a Quizno's and a Starbucks next door if that's more your style.

Mason Neck Playground

Last and least: for those interested in next weekend's 'Spring Tumble', details are now posted and registration is open on the McKeldin event webpage.

Location

Mason Neck SP, Mason Neck SP, Lorton, VA (Classic Orienteering)
RegistrationNo advance registration required. Just show up and have fun!
Start TimesStart your course at any time between 11 - 1:30 (and be done no later than 3pm).
ScheduleSunday, May 4
11:00 am - 3:00 pmClassic Orienteering:
Volunteers
Event Director:Mark Hicks
Course Designer:Karla Hulett
Course Designer:Gary Smith
Location Details

Classic Orienteering
Mason Neck SP
Mason Neck SP
Lorton, VA
Google Map

From southbound I-95, take exit 163 (Lorton). Go left onto Lorton Rd at the end of exit ramp. Go under the 2nd overpass and turn right onto Lorton Market St., then go about 1.5 miles to the traffic light at Route 1. Go straight through light (the road name changes to Gunston Rd) and go about 5 miles to the right turn on High Point Road (it's about 1.2 miles after the Pohick entrance). Once in the park ($10 entrance fee per vehicle), follow the signs towards the Visitor Center. The registration area will be to the left just before the Visitor Center; look for the banner.
Google Maps Link
Apple/iPhone Link
Course DetailsClassic Orienteering
Course NameLength (km)Climb (m)No. Controls
White 1.707
Yellow 2.459
Orange 4.74010
Brown 3.9208
Green 66011
Red 7.35014
Blue 9.44515
Course NotesClassic Orienteering

All runners should exercise care when crossing the main road and the areas near the Visitor’s Center. Courses are designed to take advantage of the trail next to the main road, avoiding the temptation to use the road.

This park is technically difficult due to the subtle terrain changes. We do not recommend anyone advance to the next level for the first time at this meet.

We field checked over the last six weeks before the leaves set on the trees, and at that time the woods were mostly open. Given the recent rain, marshes will most likely be larger than mapped and the terrain may be muddy. Please check for updated notes at the registration desk.

Entry FeesIndividual Entries

Note: juniors = under 21

Club Member, adult Club Member, junior Non-Member, adult Non-Member, junior
Epunch Owner $5 $5 $10 $5
Epunch Borrower $10 $5 $15 $10

Team or Group Entries

Participants are welcome to compete together as a single team entry. Teams containing one or more nonmembers are charged the nonmember individual rate. Teams containing one or more adults are charged the adult individual rate. For teams to receive member or junior rates, all members of the team must be members or juniors, respectively. Each extra team map beyond the first is an additional $2. Individuals or teams desiring to compete on a second course can do so for a reduced fee of $2/map.

Important Notes
  • At the event, we can only accept payment in cash or check; online, you may use a credit card or PayPal account.
  • You may become a member at the event or by joining online via this webpage (which also explains the member benefits). Membership is completely optional.
  • Most of our events use an 'epunch' timing chip for electronic timing. Individuals or groups without their own epunch pay a higher entry fee (see above), which includes the loan of an epunch for that event. Loaned epunches that are lost incur a $40 replacement fee. Epunches (also known as SI-cards or finger sticks) are usually available for sale at each event as described here.
  • Compasses are available at no charge, but if lost incur a $15 replacement fee.
  • Please provide collateral (driver's license or car keys) when borrowing a compass or epunch.
  • For additional safety, whistles are available for sale at $1/each.
  • Free beginner instruction is always available - just ask at the registration table.