2026 Evening Cross Country | Boston Run Trailhead, CVNP | Friday, June 12th, 2026

Overview

This will be a classic orienteering event with 6 courses in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s Boston Run area.   Over the years, most of the Python races have had a few controls in Boston Run, however, the club has not held a recreational event here since July 2023 – that was also an evening event.  We did host the second day PAMG events here in the summer of 2024.  The three advanced courses are based on those 2024 PAMG courses – they may be challenging.

Being an evening event, it will get dark in the woods, maybe even for the early starters.  You may want to bring your headlamps and flashlights, with fresh batteries!

After the event, don’t be surprised if a “spontaneous” social gathering occurs in a local watering hole down the the hill in Peninsula.

Details

  • Format: Classic Orienteering – 6 courses
  • Place:  Boston Run Trail Head, Route 303, CVNP
  • Date:  Friday June 12, 2026  NOTE: Registration closes Tuesday evening,  a day earlier than normal!!!
  •  Times: 
    • Check-ins: starting at 6:00 pm
    • Starts: Staggered from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.
    • Courses will close at 8:30 pm.
  • Water: A water stop will be on O, Br, G, R courses.  You may wish to carry more water.
  • Restroom Facilities SPECIAL NOTE:  As of May 1, the only facilities (outhouse) are accross Rte 303 at Happy Days Lodge – access via the tunnel.  We will update if the situation changes.
  • Bring Lawn Chairs: Limited seating
  • Controls: SportIdent ePunch equipment and FULL SIZE control flags will be in use
  • SIAir: Will be active for Br, G, R.  Limited number of SIAir Sticks will be available to borrow.
  • Maps: 1:7500, 5 meter contours.  Bob Botlz 2023.  Maps were used for PAMG, summer of 2024.  The environment changes, maps may not accurately depict changes or current features.  Users are responsible for their own judgement and safety.
  • Boston Run is a popular area in CVNP. Please respect others as they enjoy this great resource.
  • Livelox will be active for this event.  Free app – find on your store.  Sign in to the Livelox app on your smartphone to record your route directly to Livelox, or record it on your Garmin or other GPS tracker, and upload it to Livelox later.
  • PLEASE REVIEW THE  WAIVER OF LIABILITY

Courses

Six classic courses will be available (approximate distances) :

  • White – Beginner, 2.7 km
  • Yellow – Beginner, 2.8 km
  • Orange – Intermediate, 3.0 km
  • Brown – Short Advanced, 3.1 km
  • Green – Intermediated Advanced, 3.6 km
  • Red – Long Advanced. 4.2 km

Woods/Venue  Awareness

  • Boston Run may be busy with others.
  • As always, enjoy the event and be respectful of both flora and fauna.
  •  BeTick Smart! The best way to prevent tick bites is to treat skin and clothing before starting the event.
  • Treat Clothing and Gear with Permethrin: Treating clothing and gear with 0.5% permethrin (an insecticide) is a highly effective preventative measure. Spray clothing and allow it to dry completely before wearing. This treatment lasts two to three washes. You can also spray tents, boots and other outdoor gear
  • Use DEET on Exposed Skin: For children 2 months of age or older, DEET is a safe and effective tick repellent. A 10% DEET product is good for shorter activities, while 20-30% DEET is best for longer exposure. Avoid products that include sunscreen, as DEET can reduce its effectiveness. Apply sunscreen first, wait about 30 minutes, and then use DEET if needed.

  • Volunteers

    Event Director:  Jay Smink
    Course designer:  Jay
    Online Registrar: Fred Mailey

    Vet and Set: Jay
    Event Registration: Kathy
    Download & Results: Jay
    Greeter: TBD
    Control Collectors: Always needed!!!!  Email jay@neooc.com to help

    Waiver

    PLEASE REVIEW THE  WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK  BEFORE REGISTERING FOR THIS EVENT AT THIS WEBPAGE.  BY REGISTERING, YOU ARE AGREEING TO THE TERMS OF THIS WAIVER AND ARE ABSOLVING NEOOC AND ORIENTEERING USA , ET AL OF LIABILITY RESULTING FROM YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THE ASSOCIATED ORIENTEERING ACTIVITY.

    For any questions, email us at: registrar@neooc.com

    Preregistration and Cost

    • Preregistrations, closing 9pm, TUESDAY  June 9, 2026
      • Per Team, $10 per Start* for Members of NEOOC or O-USA affiliated clubs
      • Per Team, $15 per Start* for non-Members
    • Walk-up Starts on Friday, June 12, subject to map availability
      • $20 per Start* (Member or non-Member)

    * A Start is an individual or group navigating the course together.  One map is included per paid start.  Additional maps, up to two, are $3 each.

    You can also renew your NEOOC membership (or join) on the preregistration form.  After submitting your information on the registration form, you will be directed to the PayPal website.  A small offset is added to compensate for PayPal fees.

  • Location

    Boston Run Trailhead, Route 303, 500 West Streetsboro Road, Peninsula (across from Happy Days Lodge) Meet in parking lot.