The 2022 NAV-X race season is here!

For 2022, we have decided to focus on producing mostly GPS courses. There are a few reasons for this. First, we might not be completely out of the COVID weeds yet as far as permitting goes. An example of this is the cancellation of Castle Peak 100 for permit reasons. Secondly, our staff is a little thinner with Dennis Wilkinson having emigrated to Texas, and WRS/Jay Hann taking a few months off to focus on his health. Lastly, one of the great things with the GPS courses is that the format allows us to go where permits are difficult or impossible to obtain. So in 2022 we are going to bring you six (6) quality courses, one of which may be in-person as a season finale.

Map trekking races in beautiful places

Six quality GPS courses that will test your navigation skills, stamina and wit. Race with a map, compass and smart phone.

2022 Race schedule

GPS courses are self serve. Each course is open for two months (with overlap). Pick any day during those two months to be your race day. From $12 (2h) to $27 (8h). You can register and run after the end date, but it won’t count toward official results.

*Season final event will be in-person on Nov 20, 2022, pending permits

Can you still run GPS courses from 2021?

Yes you can! But you will need to join CLUB NAV-X. For $25, you get access to all 2021 official GPS courses until the end of the year (except Black Diamond Mines - it is on the 2022 race schedule, so we don’t want people to train there), plus other perks. Here’s what you get:

  • Access eight (8) quality GPS map trekking courses from the 2021 series

  • A pair of NAV-X arm warmers (select size during sign-up)

  • Discounted entry fees to NAV-X 2022 official events as well as other Orienteering club events

After signing up, you will receive an email with instructions for how to access the archived 2021 courses.

Free Local Training courses

MapRunner is pretty easy to use and intuitive. But if you want to do a dry-run, we will also have a few training courses available for free in different locations, in order to allow everyone to get used to the GPS app (MapRunner) before doing a “real” course that is part of the race season. Check back here as the other training courses become available.


How Does It Work?

All you need is a smart phone running either iOS or Android. Here are the basic steps:

Before race day

  • Sign up online using the links in the schedule above. (you can decide on your race date later) - within 24 hours, you will receive a confirmation email with links to the map files and course instructions.

  • If you haven’t already done so, Install the MapRunner6 app. NOTE: If you ran Annadel, you used an older app version. You must install MapRun6 for the 2022 NAV-X season.

  • On your phone, load the chosen course when you have reliable Internet service.

On race day

  • When you are ready to start your run, open the app and walk toward the Start location until the app beeps. This starts the race clock.

  • Run the course - the app will beep at each checkpoint you visit. You can keep phone packed away while you run. Keep in mind the following as you run:

    • Be respectful of other park visitors, and practice safe COVID manners (mask, distance, etc.)

    • Practice Leave No Trace (LNT)

    • Have a safety plan (tell someone where you are going, ideally run with someone, bring first aid kit, etc.)

  • Run to the Finish, the app will beep, telling you that you have finished your run.

After race day

  • Final official results will be posted and sent out via email to all participants within a few days of the end of the month.

  • You can also view your splits and track in the app or online, and after the course has closed, you can also compare your checkpoint sequence, splits and GPS tracks with fellow runners (Route Gadget)

Get all the details here.


How do GPS events differ from regular events?

As with most things, there are pros and cons, and in this case there are in fact a surprising number of advantages.

What’s great about it?

  • Can set courses where it’s hard to otherwise have large group events

  • Can have Start/Finish locations better suited to the course (example Cache Creek we can Start/Finish in the middle)

  • Easier and less costly to organize, resulting in...

  • ...lower race fees (much lower!)

  • Can do the course when it fits your schedule.  Courses will be open for an entire month.

  • A wealth of post-race data and route analysis, including control sequence, route, time tracking on legs, etc.

What’s different/challenging?

  • Won’t be able to socialize with other racers around the food table - you provide your own post-race food and refreshments

  • You have to print your own maps (we provide PDF)

  • We can’t enforce a time cap on route planning (this may be perceived as a benefit to some)

  • You’ll be waiting for a beep from your phone, rather than looking for an orange/white flag (we will mark with biodegradable flagging but no guarantee it will be there all the time - other visitors, cows or deer may remove)

  • Individual safety preparations become critical as there will not be any race organization at the venue - you’re it!  As a result, we will not be doing anything longer than 8 hours using the GPS system.

We think the Pros outweigh the Cons, at least during COVID times, and think you will really enjoy racing this way.  We look forward to watching the leader boards as the season gets underway.  More information will come out shortly.  Adventure on in 2022!

The NAV-X Team