The third orienteering event of the year will re-introduce us to an old partner! Erwin Park was one of our popular venues many years ago. But alas, we drifted apart. We have been through some fun times with other parks, many that are bigger and wilder. But you’ll find that the years have treated Erwin well. There are a few more trails across the open hills but the woods and grasslands are more runnable than ever. Are you ready for some fast times with Erwin?
Do-it-Yourself Format
This event will be “orienteering without the meet” again, like we did at Gateway and Harry Moss in the fall. The DIY format will follow state and local COVID regulations, adhere to COVID guidance from Orienteering USA, our sport’s national governing body, and hopefully, protect the health of participants and organizers. We will encourage distancing by extending the duration of the event and eliminating the need for anyone to touch equipment that is used by other runners.
The event will begin when the park opens on Saturday, Feb. 13, and extend over 9 days through Sunday, Feb. 21. You can choose any day and time you want to run. Think of it as a training event, or a permanent course that only lasts nine days. There will be no onsite organizational presence: no registration tent, no lines, no cost, no punching, no scorecards, no scoring, no DQ’s, no awards. Just orienteering fun. Bring your own water and gear. Controls will just be colorful ribbons hung in the terrain.
There will be NO BEGINNER (AKA WHITE) COURSE. There are several reasons for this:
Beginners can participate by running on the ‘yellow’ course with a more experienced runner (ideally a family member or leader) while following safety precautions.
Meet Director: Stan Darnell ……. Meet Director notes (not yet – check back)
Course Setter: Stan Darnell……..Course Setter notes (not yet – check back)
We’ll be offering three courses: Yellow (shortest and easiest), Brown (short but more advanced), and Green (longest and most advanced).
Scoring: Honor system! Feel free to post your finishing time and perhaps a screenshot of your marked-up map in our Facebook Group after the event is over!
Scouts: A Merit Badge clinic will not be offered, but running the Yellow course will qualify for the badge. Please contact BSA Liaison Ralph Courtney for instructions on doing the required report.
Controls will be in the field when the park opens on the morning of Saturday, Feb. 13. The event ends when the park closes on Sunday, Feb. 21 and controls will be removed on Monday, Feb. 22.
INSTRUCTIONS:
We’re not charging event fees for this virtual, self-serve event, but donations are always appreciated! We’re a non-profit organization.
Erwin Park is located in the rapidly developing northwest part of McKinney. Traffic on US 75 and US 380 to the south of the park can be particularly congested at times so consult your favorite GPS app for alternate routes. The following routes work well when traffic is light.
From Dallas and points south or east:
From Denton:
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