Raccoongaine
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Raccoon Creek State Park
(30 miles West of Pittsburgh)
3 hour and 6 hour foot race "mini" rogaine

In a rogaine-style format, individuals or teams have a fixed time (3 or 6 hours in this event) to visit as many checkpoints as possible; walking, running and resting as they see fit. The checkpoints are spread over a large area, and are pre-marked on a map issued shortly before the start of the event. Point values for visiting each control vary (and are specified in advance) depending on such factors as distance from the start/finish area, elevation, navigational complexity and the whims of the course setter.

Participants in a Rogaine come from diverse backgrounds: adventure racers, hikers, walkers, cross-country runners, trail runners, ultra runners, orienteerers, and family groups. Widely varying levels of competitive intensity are found, going from the casual stroller who wants a little variety added to the weekend hike to the serious athlete. Map reading skill is perhaps the most important technique needed. Route planning strategy is also very important since there wont be time to get all the controls, so the choice of which to try for is crucial in maximizing scores.

Time: Event start at 10 a.m. on Sunday, March 21, 2010. The registration desk opens at 8:30 AM. Maps will be distributed at 9:00 AM. There is a mandatory meeting at 9:45 AM. at the start location for all participants.

Organizers: Western Pennsylvania Orienteering Club- website: www.WPOC.org

Start/Finish area: Rec Hall in Raccoon Creek State Park. Located 30 miles West of Pittsburgh, near the town of Frankfort Springs. Rec Hall is located 1.5 miles west of the park headquarters, located on route 18. Directions: from Pittsburgh, take Parkway West (I-376) in direction towards the airport. Change to Route 22 West, and exit at Route 18. Follow Route 18 for 5 miles to the north to park headquarters, and follow signs and road for 1.5 miles West to Rec Hall

Provided Equipment: A special-purpose topographic map on a large sheet at a 1:15,000 scale and 5 meter contour interval with a clear plastic bag will be provided to each participant. In addition, to each team or solo competitor, a punch card and a set of control descriptions are also provided. Water is available at the base camp and at selected points marked on the map. Food will be available at end of event. Reccomended equipment: compass, whistle, water bottle or camelbak, watch, snack food, sunscreen.

Rules: No GPS systems with map display are permitted (only systems that simply record for later downloading to see route followed). No help from others is allowed during the race away from the base camp. If in a team, team members must stay within sight and speaking distance throughout the event.

Checkpoints: Each checkpoint is marked by an orange/white control, a triangular prism with sides approximately one foot square. The control flags will usually be visible from some distance, not intentionally concealed, but also not in view of trails or roads.. There will be about 50 control points distributed in the state park area.

Scoring: The point value of all control points visited is totaled. The late penalty will be 10 points for every minute late. Tie scores will be decided by the order of finishing times.

Awards Categories: award categories for teams and solo competitors will be Men, Women, Mixed, Masters (over age 40), Super veterans (over age 55).

Fees: Entries postmarked by 3/11/2010 will pay a fee of $25 per person for the 6-hr events and $15 for the 3 hour event. After that date, the fees are $35 for the 6-hr event, and $25 for the 3-hr event. Race day registration is allowed.

Registration: Teams of 2-5 people or Solo competitor may register. Mail your entry with Team (or Solo) name, names of members, emergency phone number for each person, e-mail address, to WPOC c/o Jim Wolfe, 1904 Bates Drive, Johnstown, PA 15905. Checks should be made out to WPOC. e-mail of the registrar at [email protected]. Each person will be required to sign a waiver of responsibility at the event.  Event detail and forms at www.wpoc.org website, click on "Schedule" link, find event.