Balboa Park
- Date Sat 18th April 2026
- Time 10:00AM PDT
- Location San Diego, California
- Price $15.00
- Races 3 races
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Event summary
Get ready for an unforgettable day of adventure at Balboa Park in San Diego on Saturday, April 18, 2026! This exciting orienteering event invites participants of all skill levels to explore one of the city’s most iconic landscapes, featuring stunning gardens, historic Spanish-style architecture, and winding trails. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned navigator, you can choose from three different race distances: a 2km beginner course, a 3.5km intermediate course, and a challenging 5.5km advanced course.
Join us from 10 AM to 11 AM, where you’ll grab a map and set off on a journey filled with exploration, problem-solving, and outdoor fun. Don’t miss the chance to attend an introductory clinic at 9:45 AM, where experienced orienteers will share essential tips. With a time limit of two hours, all competitors must return to headquarters by 1 PM to ensure everyone’s safety. With limited spots available for just 75 participants, be sure to pre-register and secure your place for this incredible day of adventure in the heart of San Diego!
Join us from 10 AM to 11 AM, where you’ll grab a map and set off on a journey filled with exploration, problem-solving, and outdoor fun. Don’t miss the chance to attend an introductory clinic at 9:45 AM, where experienced orienteers will share essential tips. With a time limit of two hours, all competitors must return to headquarters by 1 PM to ensure everyone’s safety. With limited spots available for just 75 participants, be sure to pre-register and secure your place for this incredible day of adventure in the heart of San Diego!
Organiser's Description
COME EXPLORE THE JEWEL OF SAN DIEGO CITY PARKS!
Discover one of San Diegos most iconic landscapes in a whole new way! Join us at BALBOA PARK for an orienteering adventure through scenic gardens, historic Spanish-style architecture, and winding trails. Whether you're brand new or a seasoned navigator, youll find courses designed to challenge and inspire. Grab a map, test your skills, and enjoy a day of exploration, problem-solving, and outdoor funright in the heart of the city. Register now and experience Balboa Park like never before!
EVENT TEAM:
* Event Director: Dana Borie
Course Setter: Michael Noblett
* _Visit the VOLUNTEER PAGE [https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/CA/SanDiego/BalboaPark] to learn how to help with the event._
* _See "Volunteer" at the top right of the page. _
* _Volunteers get up to a $20 credit toward a race registration fee._
* Volunteer roles explained in detail [https://www.sandiegoorienteering.org/roles#day-of-event-roles]
FORMAT: Traditional [https://www.sandiegoorienteering.org/formats]
MAP: scale 1:4000 | 2.5 m contours
COURSES: Beginner (2km), Intermediate (3.5km), and Advanced (5.5km) - distances as the bird flies [https://www.sandiegoorienteering.org/formats]
STARTS: 10am to 11am
TIME LIMIT: Two hours. All competitors must return to HQ and download by 1pm so we know you are safe. If you don't check in before leaving, volunteers will search the course to ensure you are not lost. Please check in before you leave.
SCORING: Electronic punching [https://www.sandiegoorienteering.org/epunch] will be used. All participants must bring, rent, or purchase one. Controls will be AIR+ enabled.
E-PUNCHES: If you don't have your own E-stick, rental electronic punches will be available for $5. (Use "000000" when registering).
CLINICS: An introductory clinic will be offered at 9:45 am. An experienced orienteerer will teach you the basics.
REGISTRATION: All participants must pre-register. All standard SDO registration policies apply.
FEES:
* $20 for adults, $10 for juniors (under 21)
* $5 early bird discount through midnight, Saturday, March 28th.
CLOSES: Registration will close at 10 am on Friday, April 17th, or when we reach our limit
ENTRY LIMIT: This event is limited to 75 participants. See the "Find a Participant" tab to see the registration list.
HQ LOCATION: parking lot grass south of Air & Space Museum Link [https://maps.app.goo.gl/AmRiDDBe9TZj1DSD8?g_st=ic]
PARKING: There is ample parking at the park. Free for San Diego residents (if you register your vehicles), paid for non-residents. More info here [https://www.sandiego.gov/parking/balboapark].
SAN DIEGO ORIENTEERING: HOME PAGE [https://www.sandiegoorienteering.org/] | EVENTS [https://www.sandiegoorienteering.org/events]
Discover one of San Diegos most iconic landscapes in a whole new way! Join us at BALBOA PARK for an orienteering adventure through scenic gardens, historic Spanish-style architecture, and winding trails. Whether you're brand new or a seasoned navigator, youll find courses designed to challenge and inspire. Grab a map, test your skills, and enjoy a day of exploration, problem-solving, and outdoor funright in the heart of the city. Register now and experience Balboa Park like never before!
EVENT TEAM:
* Event Director: Dana Borie
Course Setter: Michael Noblett
* _Visit the VOLUNTEER PAGE [https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/CA/SanDiego/BalboaPark] to learn how to help with the event._
* _See "Volunteer" at the top right of the page. _
* _Volunteers get up to a $20 credit toward a race registration fee._
* Volunteer roles explained in detail [https://www.sandiegoorienteering.org/roles#day-of-event-roles]
FORMAT: Traditional [https://www.sandiegoorienteering.org/formats]
MAP: scale 1:4000 | 2.5 m contours
COURSES: Beginner (2km), Intermediate (3.5km), and Advanced (5.5km) - distances as the bird flies [https://www.sandiegoorienteering.org/formats]
STARTS: 10am to 11am
TIME LIMIT: Two hours. All competitors must return to HQ and download by 1pm so we know you are safe. If you don't check in before leaving, volunteers will search the course to ensure you are not lost. Please check in before you leave.
SCORING: Electronic punching [https://www.sandiegoorienteering.org/epunch] will be used. All participants must bring, rent, or purchase one. Controls will be AIR+ enabled.
E-PUNCHES: If you don't have your own E-stick, rental electronic punches will be available for $5. (Use "000000" when registering).
CLINICS: An introductory clinic will be offered at 9:45 am. An experienced orienteerer will teach you the basics.
REGISTRATION: All participants must pre-register. All standard SDO registration policies apply.
FEES:
* $20 for adults, $10 for juniors (under 21)
* $5 early bird discount through midnight, Saturday, March 28th.
CLOSES: Registration will close at 10 am on Friday, April 17th, or when we reach our limit
ENTRY LIMIT: This event is limited to 75 participants. See the "Find a Participant" tab to see the registration list.
HQ LOCATION: parking lot grass south of Air & Space Museum Link [https://maps.app.goo.gl/AmRiDDBe9TZj1DSD8?g_st=ic]
PARKING: There is ample parking at the park. Free for San Diego residents (if you register your vehicles), paid for non-residents. More info here [https://www.sandiego.gov/parking/balboapark].
SAN DIEGO ORIENTEERING: HOME PAGE [https://www.sandiegoorienteering.org/] | EVENTS [https://www.sandiegoorienteering.org/events]
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Location
1900 Presidents Way, San Diego, 92101, CA, United States
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Balboa Park
