Events

Here are the upcoming events for the St. Louis Orienteering Club.  For events that are open for registration, please go to our Registration Page.  Please register in advance in order to reserve a map and epunch stick.

2025 Membership Registration is now OPEN.  There are additional options for 2025.  Standard membership provides a discount at each event (even cheaper if registering 48 hours ahead of time).  Subscription membership provides free entry to most events.  Review the membership page for details.

  • 2025-06-17 Forest Park

    Summer Tuesday evenings – Event #2

    When: Tuesday, June 17th, 6-8 pm

    Where: Forest Park

    Meet Director: Bryan Niehaus

    Meet Info: Update 6/5/2025 – Yes, this event is still scheduled. We had some discussion regarding the impact of the damage from the tornado in Forest Park. The consensus is that events should generally continue. The map is currently being updated But expect an interesting romp through the park. Start/Finish location and additional details will be posted shortly. Come out and support the club and support the park!

  • 2025-06-24 Lafayette Park

    Summer Tuesday evenings – Event #3

    When: Tuesday, June 24th, 6-8 pm

    Where: Lafayette Park in the historic Lafayette Square neighborhood of the city of Saint Louis.

    Meet Director: Kevin Minton

    Meet Info: Did you know that Lafayette Park is the city’s oldest public park? Established in 1836. It’s not very big, so this is a good one to bring family, friends, and first-timers. You can’t get lost, but the micro-navigating will still provide a fun challenge. See you there!

  • 2025-07-22 Saint Charles County Bike-O

    Summer Tuesday evenings – Event #5

    When: Tuesday, July 22nd, 6-8 pm

    Where: Saint Charles County Parks

    Meet Director: Jessica Heupel

    Meet Info: We have something special lined up for this one. The permit is still pending, so we’re keeping it under wraps for the moment. But we haven’t been here in a long time. And it’s going to be fun! More updates coming soon.

  • 2025-08-05 Marquette High School

    Summer Tuesday evenings – Event #6

    When: Tuesday, August 5th, 6-8 pm

    Where: Marquette High School in Chesterfield, MO.

    Meet Director: Terri Zuber

    Meet Info: This campus has a surprisingly large variety of terrain. A little bit of everything. There are two choices 1) a beginner “score-O” course (find any CPs in any order) or 2) a point-to-point course. Use main entrance and look for orienteering signs. Courses open at 6:00 pm and close at 8:00 pm.

  • 2025-08-23 The Creve Coeur 4 Adventure Race

    We are holding our first Adventure Race this summer on Saturday, August 23, 2025. The course will have trekking, biking, and paddling sections all while orienteering. If you don’t have a boat, no worries, there are rentals available.

    If you are familiar with the Castlewood 8 Adventure Race this will be very similar but only 4 hours long. Held in a single park, the race setting will be great for beginners but still a challenge for those competitive racers. We expect a great field of teams to be out that day and hope to have new racers who have not experienced the amazing joy of adventure racing giving it a try for the first time. The course will take you on the park’s mountain bike trails, into the woods, and of course, paddling on Creve Coeur Lake, all while orienteering and strategizing how to gather checkpoints in the allotted time. There is nothing like an adventure race!

    REGISTRATION OPENING SOON!

    Date:

    Saturday, August 23, 2025, 7:00-11:00 am

    Contact:  

    contourline@stlouisorienteering.org

    What is Adventure Racing:

    What is adventure racing?

    Course: 

    We are offering a single course geared for all skill sets.  The time limit is 4 hours.  While all teams will receive the same information and be able to obtain any checkpoint they want to attempt, teams wanting to compete for the podium will have to obtain the “pro” points which will require greater navigational skill, endurance, and strategy.  

    Team Options:

    • We have a 100 person limit
    • We are accepting solo, 2, 3  or 4 person teams
    • Three team division/gender categories: all-female, all-male, or mixed gender.
    • In addition, a single master’s dvision will be for teams where all members are over age 55. A single juniors division will be for team with all members under age 18.

    Fees :

    • Registration for non-SLOC members is $75
    • Registration for non-SLOC USARA members is $67
    • Registration for SLOC members is $65
    • Registration for SLOC USARA members is $57

    USARA National Championship Series: 

    This event is a USARA-sanctioned/affiliated race so teams will earn points toward the United States Adventure Racing Association (USARA)  National Championship Point Series.  Each participant must be a USARA member or hold a one-day USARA license.   A $8 one day license is included in your registration fee if you are not an USARA member – or join for $35 per year – a great membership.  

    USARA Membership:

    In addition to covering your $8 single day fee for all USARA races, membership includes high-quality medical insurance at USARA events; discounts with USARA-affiliated AR coaches; discounts from more than 200 top outdoor brands; and the knowledge that you’re a part of USARA’s efforts to support racers and racer directors as we work together to build and improve the sport of adventure racing. All fees go directly toward the operational costs of USARA, ensuring that the organization can best serve the AR community.

    SLOC Memberships:

    The greatest deal in St. Louis outdoor sports!  A $100 annual subscription membership gets you entry into every SLOC orienteering meet for the year – that is 12-18 events per year.  In addition, you get access to members only special courses during the year and discounted entries into our special events like the Creve Coeur Four Adventure Race.

    Age Restrictions:

    Teams that have any members under 13 years old must have at least one team member over 21.  For any racers under age 18, their parent or legal guardian must sign their USARA liability waiver.

    Location:

    Race check-in and pre-race meeting will occur at the Branwood Shelter.  The main parking lot is across the street at the Bootleggers Trailhead.  Teams are allowed no more than 2 vehicles in the lot – PLEASE CARPOOL.  You can find additional parking in other areas of the park for extra vehicles.  Do not park in restricted areas or on the grass.

    Food:

    Post-race food and beverages will be provided at the finish line.  Racers are encouraged to bring a chair and cooler to enjoy the post race awards and cheer.

    Schedule:

    • 5:00am check in/bike drop/boat drop begins
    • 6:00am map distribution
    • 6:30am pre-race meeting (mandatory)
    • 7:00am race start
    • 11:00am cutoff
    • 12:00pm awards and cheering

    Checking In:  

    All team members must check in between 5-6am.  They will receive a team bag with swag, bib numbers, and other items.

    Pre-race Meeting:

    Pre-race meeting will occur at 6:30am at the Branwood Shelter, at least one member must be present but you all should be there to hear important information.  Maps, clues sheets, passports, and further instructions will be distributed at the pre-race meeting to teams that have resolved all check-in issues (e.g., USARA licenses, SLOC waivers, etc.).  

    Any information that alters the course or any part of the rules that is conveyed during the pre-race meeting is your responsibility to incorporate into your race strategy.  

    Bike Drop:

    The bike drop is just north of the parking lot.  You may leave anything you want (within the rules) at the bike drop and access it at any time during the race.  

    Boat Drop:

    The boat drop is near Creve Coeur Lake Rentals.  You may leave anything you want (within the rules) at the boat drop and access it at any time during the race.

    Disclaimer:

    All of this info is subject to change.  There may be subsequent pre-race updates via email as the race gets closer, so stay tuned, and make sure the email address you supplied is accurate!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q:  What kind of bike should I bring?

    A:  Any non-motorized, non-electric bicycle is legal for the race.  We encourage MTB’s.  The course will include some technical trails that will be difficult for most riders to traverse on a hybrid, gravel, or road bike.  

    Q:  How far/long will I bike/paddle/trek?

    A:  The course is designed to test navigation and strategy.  Teams can shorten the course if they choose not to pursue all of the checkpoints, so the distances could be substantially shorter.  To clear the entire course, estimate 10 miles on trek, 18 miles on bike, 4 miles on paddle.  The course may require you to go in a certain order on a certain section but you will also be permitted to skip points at any time without penalty.   There may be instances where you have completed a section and cannot go back and get any points on that section.

    Q:  Can I make changes to my registration?

    A:  You can add or substitute registration choices until midnight on August 1st when registration closes.  That includes adding or substituting team members and changing your watercraft decisions.  Once the deadline has passed, no refunds will be offered.  Only registrations by August 1st will receive swag.  

    MANDATORY GEAR

    Racers may take additional gear as they feel necessary, so long as it does not violate any rules.  All mandatory gear items must be functional and racers are expected to know how to make them function.  Gear checks may occur on the course including functional/fit tests.  

    TEAM GEAR 

    (carried by the team at all times during the entire race)

    Supplied by race organizer:

    • Course maps
    • Passport
    • Clue sheet

    Supplied by race team:

    • 2 Compasses – NO GPS allowed!  To include watches, phones, bike computers, etc.
    • Cell phone in waterproof container with fully charged battery (for emergency use only)
    • Tool or method for plotting UTM coordinates (optional but required to clear the course)
    • Method for marking the map

    INDIVIDUAL GEAR 

    (carried by EACH RACER during entire race)

    Supplied by race organizer:

    • Bib number, worn visibility on pack or person

    Supplied by racer:

    • Hydration pack or bottle (minimum 16 oz capacity)
    • Nutrition/food
    • Safety whistle

    BIKING GEAR 

    (PROVIDED BY AND carried/used by EACH RACER at all times when riding your bike)

    • Bicycle:  Mountain bike strongly recommended.  No motor assistance bikes allowed (e.g., electric bikes) 
    • Certified (CPSC marked) bicycle helmet 
    • Rear-mounted red blinking bicycle light (must be illuminated both day and night)

    PADDLING GEAR 

    (required at all times during when on the water)

    During registration you will indicate if you are providing your own watercraft or if you are renting from Creve Coeur Lake Rentals.  Your rental fee will be added to your registration fee.  See Creve Coeur Lake Rentals page for options.

    • Watercraft:  Any non-motorized watercraft is allowed.  (supply your own or rent from Creve Coeur Lake Rental)
    • Team tag for each watercraft (provided to you at check to attach to your boat(s) for personal watercraft and pre-attached to your watercraft for those renting)

    INDIVIDUAL GEAR 

    (PROVIDED BY AND carried/used by EACH RACER any time you are on the water)

    • Oar/paddles (individuals may supply their own, rental fee includes this)
    • Personal floatation devices (individuals may supply their own type II or III PFD; rental fee includes this)

    RECOMMENDED GEAR

    This above is the minimum required gear list. You will need additional items to complete the race. For example, proper footwear, clothing, and a means to carry gear.  You may also want some or all of these:

    • Dry bag
    • Rain jacket
    • Long pants
    • Layers
    • Watch (GPS watches cannot be used for navigation during the race, they can be enabled for post racing tracking).
    • Waterproof map carrying case 
    • Bike water bottles
    • Map board for bike
    • Bike computer (NO GPS)
    • Tools to enable: Chain repair, Tube patch, Camera,
    • Bug spray
    • Sunscreen
    • Food and drink (there are places to obtain water throughout the course)
    • Medications (epi-pen, etc.
    • First aid kit

    Rules

    Rules may be added or changed at any time before the event, and communicated by race staff at the pre-race meeting or at the race start.  Racers are responsible for knowing the rules before the race starts.  

    The Race Director reserves the right to alter cutoff times, race start and finish times, or the course itself before and during the event based on course conditions and/or flow of the racers along the course.

    Competitive Ranking

    Competitive ranking, for the purpose of local awards, is determined first by:

    1. Finisher status, then by 
    2. Points (checkpoints punched less penalty points), and then by
    3. Finishing time

    Finisher status:  The possible finish status designations are listed below, from highest to lowest/

    1. Competitive Finish:  All team members arrive at the finish line together without transportation assistance and without being disqualified.  Only competitive finishers are eligible for awards, including the USARA series points.
    2. Partial Team Finish:  A subset of the original team arrives at the finish line together without transportation assistance and without being disqualified.  
    3. Did not finish (DNF):  The team receives transportation assistance to arrive at the finish line, or at least one team member communicates with race HQ accounting for the safety of all team members and indicating that their team is not completing the race.
    4. Disqualified (DQ):  The team is declared disqualified by the Race Director.  Disqualified teams receive no points.

    Points:

    Each team will receive one e-punch stick.  If a section requires obtaining the checkpoints in a certain order and the team punches in the wrong sequence they lose credit for the CP obtained out of order.  If the team discovers they have punched out of order they may obtain the next correct checkpoint in sequence and then return and repunch any following checkpoints in their proper sequence and will receive full credit with no penalty.  

    Punches must be on the e-punch.  If a team loses the e-punch, the team can request a new blank e-punch at HQ.  Extra e-punch may be available but are not guaranteed.  

    Each checkpoint is worth one point unless otherwise stated on the Clue Sheet.  

    • There will be no penalty for a missed checkpoint.  
    • Deadline penalties will be strictly enforced based on the time recorded by the race staff at the transition area.  
    • Checkpoints must be approached using the mode designated on the Clue Sheet.  
    • Checkpoints may be punched in any order unless otherwise stated on the Clue Sheet.

    Finishing Time:

    Finishing time is the team’s arrival time at the finish line arch according to the official race clock.

    Penalties

    Violation of any of the following rules may result in point reduction, time penalty, or disqualification at the discretion of the Race Director.  

    • First penalty is at 11:00:01am; each full additional minute is an additional penalty.    Each penalty is 1 checkpoint.
    • Race Director may enforce time or checkpoint penalties at their discretion based on the severity of any infraction of the rules.  Time penalties will be added to the final time.  Time penalties do not cause further checkpoint penalties if the time penalty takes a team over the 4 hour limit.
    • Racers shall accept the direction and decisions of race staff, and bring any complaints to the race director no later than 9:30pm.  Arguing with, cursing at, or challenging the authority of race staff and volunteers, or other unbecoming behavior will be penalized.
    • Members of each team must remain within 100 feet of each other at all times during the race.
    • All racers and spectators must follow a “Leave-No-Trace” ethic. No littering or defacing property. 
    • Teams must avoid all off-limits areas as marked on the map or described in the Clue Sheet.  Private property is considered off limits unless otherwise indicated in the race rules, Clue Sheet or map.
    • Teams must travel under their own power during the race.  Accepting transportation assistance of any kind from anyone other than other racers constitutes withdrawal from competition (DNF).
    • Receiving support from anyone other than race staff or other racers (e.g., family or friends planted on the course or residences along the course) constitute withdrawal from competition. Teams MAY receive support from race staff at staff discretion.
    • Racers must approach checkpoints in the order and using the mode specified on the Clue Sheet and in accordance with the Rules of Travel.
    • Teams must carry all required gear throughout each segment based on transportation mode. 
    • Bib numbers must be worn visibly or be visible on a racer’s pack at all times. 
    • Each racer must wear a certified, CPSC marked helmet whenever mounted on a bicycle.
    • Each racer must have a red blinking tail light whenever mounted on their bike.  
    • Each racer must have a functioning white light MOUNTED on the front of their bike or bike helmet when mounted on a bicycle at night.
    • All watercraft must have functioning glow sticks attached to the bow and stern at night.
    • Each racer must properly wear a Coast Guard Approved Type II or III Personal Flotation Device at all times, whether in or out of a watercraft, while on water.
    • Each racer must wear a glow stick on the front and back of their PFD.
    • Each watercraft shall have a team number tag zipped-tied securely to the craft until turned in to race staff. 
    • Teams must arrive at designated checkpoints prior to cutoff times as stated on the Clue Sheet.

    Disqualification

    The following actions are specifically designated as grounds for disqualification, and possible suspension from future races.

    • Separating from teammates during a race such that a teammate is out of immediate communication with other team members.
    • Leaving the course and returning home without communication with race staff.  Communicating to race staff your intention to leave will result in a DNF, not a DQ.
    • Using satellite or cellular-based equipment to advantage during the race.  Electronic tracking devices are permitted if they provide no navigation assistance during the race.  Watches, speedometers, odometers, pedometers, and altimeters are permitted for use in race only if they do not rely on satellite or cellular technology. 
    • Use of motors, engines, any other stored energy or power assist device on bikes or watercraft during the race.
    • Use of electronic communication between team members during the race.
    • Using illegal drugs or underage drinking during the race or at the event site before or after the race.
    • Refusing to render emergency assistance to another team if requested or in a clear case of medical need.  Teams that request and receive such assistance may be designated DNF status at the Race Director’s discretion.
    • Pre-arranging outside assistance from non-racers to gain competitive advantage during the race.
    • Placing unauthorized supply drops or navigation aids on the course prior to race start.
    • Intentionally violating laws or government regulations to gain advantage on the course, including but not limited to trespassing.
    • Unsportsmanlike conduct, as determined by the Race Director (e.g., extreme disrespect to staff/volunteers, intentional vandalism, other creative infractions not listed above).

  • 2025-09-13 David Frei Kirkwood Night-O

    Join the St. Louis Orienteering Club’s “flashlight” meet at Kirkwood Park. Designed for all ages, meet at the Lion’s Amphitheater and see how many check points you can find using your map and compass. Registration begins at 7:00 p.m. and the 45 minute meet starts at 8:00 pm with a mass start. There is a teaching session prior to the meet and awards following. Bring a headlamp or flashlight and a good sense of adventure!

    Meet Director: Josh Borgmeyer