The Anchorage Parks Tour is a multi-map orienteering challenge. This year four stages will be run on three maps to sequentially navigate from the hillside to RJSP. The stages range from 45 minutes to 3 hours and are designed so experienced orienteerers as well as beginners can enjoy themselves. Teams can consist of 2, 3, 4 or more people (up to 20) and can divide up the maps as they see fit or run together. Of course there will be only 1 control card per team.
The first stage will be in the eastern part of Bicentennial Park and allows 1.5 hours to find as many controls as possible (it's almost impossible to get them all) and make it to the transition area at mile 2 of Campbell Airstrip Rd. Each control is assigned a point value based on its relative difficulty. There will be substantial penalties for being late at the transitions. Maps for the next stage will be given out at the beginning of the transition time, so being late restricts your planning time, too. Food and water will be provided at each transition.
The second stage covers the remainder of Bicentennial and lasts 3 hours, ending at the north side of the Tudor Road bridge at Bragaw. These first two stages on the Bicentennial map are the more difficult stages and would be best for more experienced orienteers and the 3 hour stage for those with proper training. Remember to stay well hydrated, keep updating your strategy based on time remaining, and be alert for hazards (bears, moose, creeks, vegitation, etc.)
The third stage covers APU/UAA in 45 minutes and ends at the north side of Northern Lights Blvd. just east of East High School. The final stage is in Russian Jack Park for 45 minutes and ends at or near the awards dinner area (see below). Total time for the event is 6 hours 45 min, including the three 15 min transitions between maps. Dinner and awards will follow at the Russian Jack Springs Park upper picnic shelter at about 5pm. Hamburgers and/or hot dogs will be provided; please bring a side dish.