By George Minarik
The map scale is 1:4000. The contour interval 2.5 meters. It is an ISSOM map (International Specification for Sprint Orienteering Maps) produced by Rex Winterbottom. (Note that Sprint maps use some symbols that are not used on "regular" maps, including several things that are considered "impassable", and thus must not be crossed [even if you are physically able to cross them].)
The Mills College Campus is a beautiful and interesting place for orienteering. In addition to the intricate layout of the campus buildings, there is a hill area that contains some runnable woods and open fields with high grasses. Lion Creek bisects the campus, and can be crossed only by any of seven bridges (see below), making for some interesting route choices.
The courses have been designed according to Sprint course standards with Middle course length. We are expecting winning times between 25–30 minutes.
We recommend shoes with some good tread, such as trail runners, because of the slippery slopes. Note, however, that no metal spikes or studs are allowed. The courses will roughly contain 70% hard surfaces, 15% open fields or trails, 5% open woods running.
There will be many controls placed close together, so be diligent in checking the codes. There will be one water stop on the Brown, Green, Red, and Blue courses. There are no water stops on the White, Yellow, or Orange courses. There will be water at the Start.
There are several out-of-bounds areas marked on the map as purple slash. Running through them means disqualification. Lion Creek and its banks are marked as out of bounds; cross the creek only on the bridges. There are many garden and bushy areas colored on the map as Olive Green. Running through Olive Green will also get you DSQed. In addition, there are many small garden areas not marked as Olive green—please step around these. In the open forest hillside, there are patches of colorful wildflowers—please step around these as well.
The students will be on Spring Break, so there should not be much car or foot traffic on campus, but please give pedestrians and vehicles the right of way. There is some prominent, but avoidable poison oak on the Orange and advanced courses, so you may want to consider long pants.