2024 ILRA Spring Mill Pond Sprint & Youth O-Challenge
July 17th 2024 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Organizers: Cooper Green (Event Director), Michelle Green (Event Director)
Map: Island Lake
Event Information
Location: Island Lake Recreation Area (Spring Mill Pond), Brighton, MI
Description: ILRA Spring Mill Pond Sprint will offer a short course (approx 3K) and a long course (approx 5K). Courses will take you through open park areas, high grasses, and some wooded areas. Depending on your route choice, you may be in some areas more than others. Start anytime between 5:00 and 7:00; the course closes (flag pickup begins) at 8:00 pm.
**Lessons available. Please come early and learn about the sport of orienteering and map reading.
Youth O-Challenge
As part of the event, we are excited to expand our reach to youth and youth organizations through the Youth O-Challenge. Youth will be able to compete in the following categories:
High School (grades 9-12) (Team or Solo: Long Course)
Middle School (grades 6-8) (Team or Solo: Long Course)
Elementary (grades 3-5) (Team or Solo: Short Course)
Awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in each category.
Check out this Google Doc of FAQs for answers to your questions about the Youth O-Challenge: LINK.
Help promote the Youth O-Challenge: Printable Flyer Link
Registration Timeline:
Until 7/14, 23:00: Regular $5/members, $10/non members
Until 7/15, 23:00: $10/members, $15/non-members. Limited to small extra map quantities; may close sooner if we run out.
After 715, 23:00: Contact us about flag pickup to join.
**SMOC Members, please use SMOCMEMBER for your coupon code. Members of other OUSA-affiliated clubs can use RECIPROCAL
We charge per "start"/group ($10, reduced to $5 for members with coupon code SMOCMEMBER or RECIPROCAL for other OUSA clubs), not per person, so if you have extra folks in your party, first sign up your captain, then have additional folks fill out the online waiver. An extra map is another $5. Interested in racing for free? Ask us about volunteer opportunities like flag pickup, giving a lesson, etc.
Registrar notes are read a little bit after normal registration closes / late registration begins; for urgent questions please contact us directly in advance.
If you know you'll be volunteering - lessons, check-in help, or flag pick-up, reach out and we can give you a coupon code to make the event free.
Membership info is here
NOTE: As a DNR venue, you'll need to have a Recreation Passport to park, unless you ride your bicycle over. $14 annually if you check the box when you renew your license plate.
What is orienteering?
Using a detailed topographic map, navigate to a series of checkpoints (in order for this event). Race competitively, or enjoy a relaxing nature hike with family or friends - the choice is yours! The route between checkpoints is also your choice - take a longer trail option, or head off cross country across hills and over logs...you decide! If you like visuals, this video can give you the gist.
We use an electronic timing system called SportIdent. Bring your own stick or borrow one of ours. Before you start, "punch" (dip the stick into the box) the clear to erase the old times, punch the check to make sure it's ready, then when it's time to go, punch start. You're off! At each flag on our course, punch the matching box. Then punch the finish when you get back. Then find your way to the registration table to download your splits and get a printout of your results. Don't lose a borrowed stick; we'll have to charge you $40 for replacement. We have a "leash" on it, so put that around your wrist, adjust the slider, and there's little chance you won't make it back with it.
What to wear
Your mileage may vary; you can't go too wrong with this:
- Long pants
- Long sleeves
- Layers for the temp
- Shoes that can get dirty. Trail running shoes work great (whether you are running or not)
- Shoes for afterwards in case you find mud or marshes
- Snacks and water for on the course
We have loaner compasses if you don't have one.