Lake Accotink

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September 17
Sunday

Lake Accotink TrailThis Sunday event requires pre-registration, opening Monday, Sept. 11 at 6pm and closing Saturday Sept. 16 at noon.
There will be no day-of registration.

Welcome to the first event of QOC's 2023-2024 season at Lake Accotink in Fairfax County. We'll be using the McClaren-Sargent shelter as in the past (see locator map) and will be offering white through red classic courses to get everyone back into the orienteering swing. QOC will also be hosting the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics (NVSO) orienteering competition at this event; the NVSO short course will tentatively use the QOC white course, and the NVSO advanced course will use the Brown.

We will be using the main parking lot, near the end of Accotink Park Rd just below the dam (see locator map), with a walk of 400 meters to check-in. All QOC signage will point you towards the main parking lot. There is also a smaller parking nearer the McLaren-Sargent shelter that is approached from an entirely different direction than the main parking lot. For GPS purposes, the address for the small lot is 5660 Heming Avenue, Springfield VA. Unless you are a volunteer or arrive on the early side, you are probably better off going to the main lot, as if you go to the small lot and it is filled, you'll have a substantial drive to get back around to the other one because of the quirks of the local road network.

Also note that a new bridge/ramp has been built over the spillway below the dam, eliminating the steep climb up to the woodland area. (See photo to left.)

Accotink WalkwayAdditional information:

  • No food items will be provided.
  • Participants are responsible for meeting all their own hydration needs before, during and after their courses.
  • As always, please be off the course no later than 3pm and remember to download at our e-punch station even if you did not finish.
  • For those new to orienteering, make sure to check out our Your First Event and Orienteering Techniques For Beginners webpages, and if they don't answer any question you have, just use our Contact Form and ask away!
  • Group Leaders: please contact the Event Director so he is aware of your plans.
  • Rest rooms are located at McClaren-Sargent Pavilion.
  • Dogs are allowed in the park but must be on the leash at all times.

Post Event Social: If you wish, after you finish your course stop by Malek's Pizza Place, located here in Springfield VA, just 11 minutes southwest of our event venue. The manager, Marco, has offered a combo special for QOC participants bringing a map - any sub or sandwich plus a side for just $9.99.

Location

Lake Accotink Park, McLaren-Sargent Pavilion, Springfield, VA (Classic)
RegistrationRegistration for this event opens at 6pm on Monday Sept. 11 via this link. Registration will close at 12 noon on Saturday Sept. 16 (the day before the event). Pre-registration is mandatory.

Who's registered? Check by clicking here. Sorting by column is possible too - click on the column name.
Start TimesStart times will be by windows (to be defined for this event before registration opens).
ScheduleSunday, September 17
10:00 am - 3:00 pmClassic:
Volunteers
Event Director:Charles Carrick
Course Designer:Mark Thomsen
Location Details

Classic
Lake Accotink Park
McLaren-Sargent Pavilion
Springfield, VA
Google Map

From the North or South: use I-495/Beltway exit 54AB/Braddock Rd/Rt 620, heading east on Rt 620/Braddock Rd as you exit. In ~0.8 miles, turn right on Heming Ave. In ~1.3 miles, turn right at the Lake Accotink Park sign and follow the park road to the parking area. The pavilion is up a small path starting at the far (west) end of the parking lot.

Alternative parking is available in the lower parking lot (7500 Accotink Park Rd,, Springfield). It's a short walk from there to the pavilion where registration is located; follow signs or ask someone how to get to the McLaren-Sargent pavilion.
Links to Lower Parking Lot:
Google Maps Link
Apple/iPhone Link
Course DetailsClassic
Course NameLength (km)Climb (m)No. Controls
White 1.8459
Yellow 3.513010
Orange 4.515511
Brown 3.917011
Green 5.121515
Red 6.627018
Course NotesClassic

Welcome back to Lake Accotink! We are gearing up to introduce the white-red courses this year. Here's what racers need to know:

  • Start Location: The race begins below the dam, near the new bridge. Plan for a 5-7 minute walk from the upper parking lot, situated close to the finish line.
  • Construction Alert: Be advised, that Fairfax County has initiated a renovation project at the playground. The full extent of its impact on our event remains uncertain. Exercise caution in this area as most courses will likely pass near this newly defined construction zone.
  • Trail Navigation: The trail network offers a variety of route options. We've updated the map to feature all identified trails as of two weeks prior to the event. Note that while animal tracks are not indicated, smaller trails frequented by people are marked. Anticipate crossing paths with mountain bikers, given the multi-use nature of these trails.
  • Environment: The season brings a rich green landscape to the area. For the Senior Olympics this year, we have tailored the map to highlight the most probable route choices for the brown course.
  • Map Details: Despite its frequent updates, the map may not fully reflect recent changes including new rootstocks and modified trails. Moreover, the vegetation markers may not accurately differentiate between open woods and slow-running zones.
Wishing you a safe and enjoyable race experience!
Entry FeesIndividual Entries

Note: juniors = under 21

Club Member, adult Club Member, junior Non-Member, adult Non-Member, junior
$10 $5 $20 $5

Group Entries

Participants are welcome to orienteer together as a group (up to the maximum for that event; usually 4). Each member of a group is charged their individual rate as shown above, up to a group total of $30 (maximum), and each receives a map. A group receives one epunch. Individuals or groups desiring to compete on a second course after completing their first can do so for a reduced fee of $2/map subject to approval at the event by the Event Director.

Important Notes
  • If you wish to become a QOC member you should join online in advance 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 will be loaned one for that event. Loaned epunches that are lost incur a $40 replacement fee. Epunches (also known as SI-cards or finger sticks) can be purchased from online vendors as described here.
  • Former QOC members who have let their membership lapse pay non-member fees.
  • Compasses are available at no charge, but if lost incur a $15 replacement fee.
  • Please provide collateral (such as car keys) when borrowing a compass or epunch.
  • There is no planned, on-site beginner instruction, but beginners are encouraged to watch relevant videos such as this one created by QOC's instructional guru David Onkst