2025 SMOC Pontiac Lake
September 27th 2025 12:00pm - 3:00pm
Organizer: Orgun Guralp (Event Director)
Map: Pontiac Lake
Normal meet, park at main lot, S/F at the West Shelter.
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!
Schedule
11:30 Start. We'll be working with 4H before then, so if you come early, please be patient or lend a hand by sharing your love of the sport.
2:00 No more starts
3:00 Courses closed, flags may get pulled at any time. You may wish to start earlier if you are new and/or taking on a difficult course.
Course Descriptions
White/Beginner - One to two miles. Takes 30-60 minutes to walk. Points are on trails.
Yellow/Intermediate - Two to three miles. Takes 45-90 minutes to walk. Flags are visible from the trail, but on nearby major features.
Orange/Advanced - Three to five miles. Takes 90-120 minutes to walk. Flags are generally not visible from trails. Cross country travel is common/generally necessary at some points.
Brown/Expert Short - Three to four miles. Takes 90-120 minutes to walk (w/out mistakes). This course has the highest technical difficulty - flags are on small features well off trail. Mistakes will take a long time to correct, as strong relocation features are not nearby.
Green/Expert - Four to five miles. Takes 120-150 minutes to walk (w/out many mistakes). This course also has the highest technical difficulty.
Red/Expert Long - Five to seven miles. Takes 150-180 minutes to walk (w/out many mistakes). This course also has the highest technical difficulty.
What to wear/bring
Your mileage may vary; you can't go too wrong with this:
- Long pants (potential for ivy off trail)
- Long sleeves, ideally in orange.
- 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
- Insect precautions
- Ivy precautions
We have loaner compasses if you don't have one.