Raccoongaine IV
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.
Participants in a Rogaine come from diverse backgrounds: hikers, walkers, cross-country runners, trail runners, adventure racers, ultra runners, orienteers, hashers 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 won't 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 24, 2013. The registration desk opens at 8:00 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 1.3 miles west of the park headquarters which is on route 18. Directions: from Pittsburgh, take Parkway West (I-376) in direction towards the airport. Change to Route 22 West, and exit route 22 at Route 18. Follow Route 18 for 6 miles to the north to park headquarters, and follow signs and road for 1.3 miles West to Rec Hall. GPS coordinates: N 40 30.570, W 80 26.800
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. Recommended equipment: compass, whistle, water bottle or camelbak, watch, snack food, sunscreen.
Rules: 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. Portable GPS systems are allowed as long as the intention is to simply record the route taken for later analysis, discussion and sharing.
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. If in a team, all members of the team must be present at the finish.
Awards Categories: There are three age categories: Elite (age 20 and over), Masters (age 40 and over), and Super Veterans (age 55 and over). Within each of these categories are gender categories: Men, Women, and Mixed. You will be placed in the least competitive category that fits all team members. For example, a team of three women age 40, 44, and 57 would be in the Masters, Women category. Team members under age 20 are not considered in determining category unless all are under age 20; then the team is Elite.
Entry Fees: Entries postmarked by 3/14/2013 will pay a fee of $30 per person for the 6-hr events and $18 for the 3 hour event. After that date, the fees are $40 for the 6-hr event, and $25 for the 3-hr event. On March 19, preregistration will be cut off; all subsequent registration must be done on race day at the event, provided the limit has not been reached. There is a $8 discount per person for members of WPOC on the 6-hour event and a $5 discount per person for members of WPOC on the 3-hour event. Limited to the first 150 people to register.
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