http://www.toronto-orienteering.com/WJR-web/pix/splash.jpgWhy Just Run? - Morningside Park

Course Notes

 

 

Welcome to the season opener Why Just Run event of 2010!  For this instalment we are taking you back to the games of your youth.  Or, if you are youth, think of it as the games of today.

 

In Why Just Run events, participants use a map to find their way through a series of checkpoints.  At each checkpoint, you “punch-in” using your SI–Card (provided near the start.)  At the finish, you punch a special Finish checkpoint to signify you have completed your course.  At that point you will receive a printout showing your time at each checkpoint location.  And throughout the course, you will encounter special challenges – today, these are based on games from our youth.

 

All participants on a course will start at the same time. Special start instructions will be given at the start line for each course.

 

The starting schedule is Adventure   10:00 AM          Sport and Beginner   10:15 AM

 

All three courses have some element of extra challenge to them.  Each challenge is described below, then additional information is given for each course.  Each course will contain different challenges.

  • Rover Red Rover – In a separate part of the map, there will be an enlarged map containing three checkpoints close to the start.  As soon as you start, you must visit these three Red Rover checkpoints.  You may visit them in any order however you must come back and punch the start control between each Red Rover control.
  • Tag – In this game of Tag, you must “tag” any 4 of the 5 checkpoints located within the box outlined in purple on your map.  You may find these checkpoints in any order.
  • Leapfrog – In leapfrog, there will be one or two other flags located close to the true checkpoint you are searching for.  You must only punch the correct checkpoint (or leapfrog over the “false” checkpoints.)  You will know which one is the correct checkpoint because it is located in the middle of the circle and its description is provided on your map. For each incorrect checkpoint you punch, 1 minute will be added to your finish time.
  • Hide and Seek – For an added challenge, the area immediately around these checkpoints will be obscured, so you will not be able to see all the features nearby.   

 

Beginner Course – 2.7 km

Participants on the Beginner course have 10 different checkpoints to find. You will need to visit these checkpoints in order, as marked on your map.  There are three checkpoints on your map that are part of the Leapfrog adventure, but with a twist.  The true checkpoint will be marked on your map with a large circle and the other “false” checkpoints will be marked with smaller circles.  You can use the location of the false controls to help you decide which one is the correct checkpoint.

 

Sport Course – 4.3 km

The Sport course starts off with a game of Red Rover. After Red Rover, you head east to checkpoints 1 through 4, visiting them in order.  After checkpoint 4, it’s time for Tag.  After playing Tag, you head west and visit checkpoint s 4, 5 and 6.  Checkpoints 7 through  10 are Leapfrog.  Checkpoint 11 is the last control – no games here.

 

Adventure Course – 7.3 km

The Adventure course will take you to parts of Morningside Park you have never seen before.  It starts out with a mad dash to checkpoints 1, 2 and 3.  After checkpoint 3, the game of Tag begins.  After your game of Tag, continue to checkpoints 4, 5 and 6, then it’s time for leapfrog with controls 7 through 11.  The adventures continue with a game of hide and seek.  Hide and seek applies for checkpoints 11, then 14 through 16.  Checkpoints 12 and 13 have no Hide and Seek element to them.  To end the Adventure course, visit checkpoints 17, 18 and 19 in order and you’re finished.

 

There are potential hazards that should be avoided throughout Morningside Park.

•          Use only bridges to cross the main stream.  The course is designed so that bridges are located close to course crossing points.

•          There is some poison ivy in the park. There will be a station with soap and water to wash off afterwards, if required. 

•          Respect other people enjoying the park.  Please don’t run through picnics, playing fields or come back with someone else’s watermelon.  

 

The course time limit is 90 minutes, please make sure you return within 90 minutes of the start and check in at the finish.  Even if you decide not to complete your course, check back at the finish to we know you’re back safe and sound.

 

Have a great time out there!