Organizers: David Bakker (Course Planner), Phil Wallensteen (Course Planner), Kevin Matrosovs (Assistant), John Rance (Controller), Brian May (Event Director)

Map: Westwold South

Updates

• Aug 15: - Registration now open! (See below.)

Overview

Welcome to the 50th BC Orienteering Championships and the Western Canadian Orienteering Championships!

We are excited to feature two brand new maps in the Shuswap:

• Saturday Middle Distance near Westwold, BC.
• Sunday Long Distance near Enderby, BC.

Hunter's Range alpine paradise - Long distance venue.

Registration

Registration is now LIVE on 2M here:
https://2mev.com/#!/events/bcoc-wcoc-2026

Registration closes on September 15 at 11:30 PM PDT. Fees go up on September 11 at 11:30 PM PDT.

Fees:

There is a fee per Middle and Long event. The Training and Model events are included at no extra charge.

Check-In / Package Pick-Up

• Maps for the Model event will be available at 9:00 AM Saturday at the Model event parking.
• Check-in for the Middle and Long will be available at 10:00 AM Saturday at the Middle-Distance Arena.
• Check-in for the Long will be available at 9:00 AM Sunday at the Long-Distance Arena.

Included in the package are borrowed SI sticks, which must be returned at the Finish of your last event or at the registration desk if you do not run your last registered event

Program

• Training: Friday to Sunday (Anytime)
• Model: Saturday Morning
• Middle: Saturday Afternoon
• Long: Sunday

Training: Friday to Sunday (Anytime)

• Self-directed training on the Dirty Beetle map near Glenemma, BC.
• Print your own PDF map, ribbons will be out in the forest. More details to come.
  Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/z8y14WmyTwRBbkmn9

Model: Saturday Morning

Location

• Westwold, BC

Schedule

• 9:00 AM Onward

Organizing Team

• Course Planner: Phil Wallensteen

Map

• Mapper: Phil Wallensteen, David Bakker (2026)
• Specification: ISOM 2017-2
• Contours: 5m
• Basemap: LiDAR

Course Details

• Control flags (no punches or SI)
• Do controls in any order
• Map is close to and representative of the Middle distance terrain

Parking

• Pinaus Lake Road (1 km from Hwy 97)
  Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ArDGPSMRMEQiWavu8
• Maps will be available at the Parking location, starting at 9:00 AM

Middle: Saturday Afternoon

Location

• Westwold, BC

Schedule

• 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM

Organizing Team

• Course Planner: Phil Wallentseen
• Controller: John Rance

Map

• Mapper: Phil Wallentseen and David Bakker (2026)
• Specification: ISOM 2017-2
• Contours: 5m
• Basemap: LiDAR

Brand new map features open runnable forest with numerous small clearings and contour detail. Map slopes from south to north, but there are a number of hills, depressions and other features to break up the terrain. Very few rock and water features. Expect fast running as long as you maintain contact with the map.

Course Details

This is a Canada Cup with Championship classes, as well as open classes on all courses. Preliminary course information:

* Age as of Dec 31, 2026. "F14-" means "Female 14 and younger". "M45+" means "Male 45 and older"
* 6a/6b are identical other than map scale

Parking & Arena

• Pinaus Lake Road (1 km from Hwy 97)
  Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4tmJG4ft1PzkbHcM9
• Parking will be along the forest service road. Short walk to Arena.
• Short walk (500 m) from Arena to Start.

Long: Sunday

Location

• Hunter's Range, near Enderby, BC

Schedule

• 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM

Organizing Team

• Course Planner: David Bakker
• Controller: Teresa Winn

Map

• Mapper: David Bakker (2026)
• Specification: ISOM2017-2
• Contours: 5m
• Basemap: LiDAR

Brand new map features a stunning alpine paradise of meadows, light green forest, creeks, marshes, and rolling contours. There is a scattering of rock across the whole map and only a few trails. Situated around 1900 m in elevation, the Monashee Mountains are in the distance, but you'll be focused up close on the spectacular visual and technical beauty of this sub-alpine orienteering paradise.

Course Details

This is a Canada Cup with Championship classes, as well as open classes on all courses. Preliminary course information:

* Age as of Dec 31, 2026. "M14-" means "Male 14 and younger". "F45+" means "Female 45 and older".
* 6a/6b, 7a/7b and 8a/8b are identical other than map scale.

Parking & Arena

• The venue is roughly 20km up the Hunter's Range forest service road from Mabel Lake Road (just east of Enderby).
  Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jwwrgsUpotaa3G9y6
• The forest service road is in good condition but there are a few short sections that are a bit steep and loose. AWD and 4WD vehicles and drivers should make it to the parking lot without issue. 2WD vehicles and drivers should be ok, with a bit of extra oomph for the steeper sections. That said, they may prefer to carpool to the event.
• Arena is a short walk (500 m) from Parking.

Logistics

Punching & Time-Keeping

SI punching and time-keeping will be used for all events. SI Air is enabled on each control.

The SI card number that you provided with your registration has been entered into the computer system and appears on your bib. If, for any reason you will be using a different SI-card from that shown on your entry, you must notify the registration desk at the Event Arena of the new number.

All borrowed SI sticks must be returned at the Finish download table at your last competition, or to the Registration desk at the Event Arena if you do not run your last registered event. If you fail to return your borrowed SI stick, you must pay the fee for lost SI sticks.

Each control is equipped with a control flag and an SI electronic control unit. The control code is located on top of the SI unit. If a control has more than one SI unit, the competitor may punch either unit.

Bibs

Competitors are assigned one bib for all events which can be picked up at the Registration table at the Event Arena. Each bib will contain the competitor's name, SI number, course and assigned start time.

All competitors must wear their bibs on their shirt front during all competitions. Bibs must be visible in their entirety and not folded or cut.

Pinning the bib to your shirt will be much more durable if you put the pins through the punched holes on the bib and do not pierce the bib material directly with the pins.

Competitors are encouraged to bring their own safety pins. For those who do not bring them, safety pins will be available at the Registration table in the Event Arena.

Start Lists

Start lists are available at each Event Arena and Start area.

For all classes and all events, starting times are drawn randomly within each class. Organizers may take into consideration requests for split or early or late start times and volunteer requirements.

Start Procedure

While start times are assigned, there will be a Start punch that must be punched when you start. Your time will start when you punch the Start punch.

Emergencies & Hazards

All events take place in a wilderness environment, which may have any of the standard hazards possibly found in such an environment.

Emergency Contact

The Event Director’s mobile number is 250-253-8746 and is printed on each course map.

Emergency Response will be engaged by the Event Director or another event official as necessary.

911 is the Canadian emergency number for ambulance, fire and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Contact the Event Director or go to the registration table at the Event Arena before you contact 911 from an event site. Ideally, have an event official call so that they can provide directions.

Nearby Facilities

The closest hospitals are the following:

Saturday:
Royal Inland Hospital
311 Columbia St, Kamloops, BC V2C 2T1

Sunday:
Shuswap Lake General Hospital
601 10 St NE, Salmon Arm, BC V1E 4A7

Animals

The event terrain could contain wildlife such as deer, moose, cougars and bears, among others. Carrying bear spray is a valid option according to your comfort level. Those unfamiliar with bear encounters may wish to read the following page from the Government of Canada: Safe travel in bear country.

Insects

To date, insects have not been much of an issue. That said, you may wish to bring insect repellent to help ward off pesty bugs.

We have not had any issues with wasps or bees, but you may encounter some nonetheless. If you are allergic to wasp or bee stings, make sure to bring your medication with you on the course.

Plants

We have not noticed any issues with thorny or poisonous plants, but some might be hiding somewhere.

Weather

The weather in late September should be pleasant for running. We are hopeful that nearby forest fires will be well under control by race time and will not pose a concern for the event.

The Saturday event is at low elevation (750 m) and no particular weather concerns are anticipated. The Sunday event is in sub-alpine terrain at much higher elevation (1850 m). Cooler temperatures are likely, Competitors should bring clothing to accommodate a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions.

Please plan to bring your own water, sport drink and electrolytes. We will have some available in the Event Arenas and on the Long courses. However, anything that you bring with you will ease pressure on our supplies at the Event Arenas.

Competitor Risk & Responsibility

All competitors must have signed the waiver before they participate. Everyone who registered online will have done this.

Please bring your own basic first aid kit and sports tape.

Open fires and smoking are prohibited in all event areas.

Every competitor must carry a whistle while on course. Whistles will be for sale at the registration desk at the Event Arena for $2.00 cash. The recognized distress signal is a series of three short blasts on a whistle. Use your whistle if you need urgent help because of an injury or distress. Pause and listen for reply and repeat to allow helpers to locate you. If you are injured, but still mobile, an alternative might be to make your way to the nearest control so that it is easier to locate you. Competitors are expected to render assistance to anyone who is injured, has blown their whistle, and requires physical assistance. Please give help as needed, and make event officials aware of the issue.

All maps/control descriptions have a “safety bearing” printed on them. In the event of becoming lost, head in that direction, ideally to a major trail, road or the Event Arena.

To avoid initiating unnecessary searches, competitors MUST download at the Finish download station even if they do not complete their course.

In the event of an emergency, competitors are required to follow the directions of the Event Director or Emergency Response personnel.

Clothing & Shoes

There is no regulation requiring specific clothing, but full leg cover is recommended for all events.

Standard forest orienteering shoes, with or without metal tipped studs, as per personal preference, are recommended. Grippy trail shoes are another option.

Eye protection is a personal choice but is recommended. While there is very little deadfall, the pine trees have small dead branches at eye level and are often fairly close together.

Dogs

Dogs are prohibited from the courses.

Local Information

Getting Here

The events are near the communities of Westwold, BC (Saturday) and Enderby, BC (Sunday).

The nearest airport is Kelowna International Airport (YLW).

Accommodation

No specific accommodation has been arranged for the event.

Hotels are available in Vernon and Salmon Arm. More limited options may be available in Falkland, Enderby and Armstrong.

A number of campgrounds can also be found in the area. Riverside RV Park and Campground in Enderby is a reasonably central location and appears to be a good option.

In BC, individuals are permitted to camp on Crown land for a period of up to 14 days. Needless to say, you should practice "leave no trace" principles and leave the site in equal or better condition than you found it.

Camping is not permitted at either Event site or within the competition area.

Transportation

Public transit does not service the event sites, so transportation by private vehicle is a must.

Location