What is POCAR?

The Purdue Outing Club Adventure Race (POCAR) is a 48 hour orienteering race held over Martin Luther King weekend in Southern Indiana.  The course can range from 20-40 miles as the crow flies, depending on the location and planners. Teams should be prepared to cover 50 miles on foot.

Teams from all over the world come to participate.  Alumni travel hours to make it back and compete.  POCAR can get cold, rainy, muddy, dirty, exhausting, etc.... Now get excited, keep in touch with the news!!

When does it take place?

The 1st POCAR took place in January 2001 during Martin Luther King Jr. weekend (as have all subsequent POCARs). The strategy behind these sets of dates having the Monday following the race off as a holiday allowed race participants (and volunteers) a day to recover before facing back up to the realities of work and school. Second, a race in the dead of winter, when days are short, nights are long, and weather can go from bad to worse without warning, is enough to test anyone’s will and endurance.

How long does it last?

Endurance was the theme of the first race and all others that have succeeded it. The race is 30+ miles “as the crow flies” and participants have about 48 hours (sunrise on Saturday until noon on Monday) to cover the distance. This proved to be extremely challenging and sometimes only 10% of the competitors complete the entire course.

How does it work?

A map is supplied to each team which they use to navigate point-to-point in a specified order (expedition style). Once all valid points (yes, there are decoys) are visited, you have completed the course. At each check point (control) the team would sign in their name, the time they arrived, and any comment, serious or otherwise. This allows the race organizers and volunteers to track the progress of teams and supply assistance if a team was in jeopardy. A system of punches and punch cards is set up to verify a team has indeed found a checkpoint. It is required that at least one team member has experience with UTM coordinate system. There will be a beginner orienteering trip in mid-November for those who would like to learn.

Who can race?

Anyone. The original race was designed exclusively for POC members. The event was a success and well received, other clubs within Purdue, other universities, and the public (or at least those crazy enough to take part in such an event) now take part.

Where does it take place?

The 1st POCAR was held in Wyandotte Woods in southern Indiana (west of Louisville, KY) near where the Blue River empties into the Ohio River. The idea behind this location was to illustrate to those native (and non) to Indiana that there actually is some terrain in the state! Subsequent races have all been held in Indiana to reinforce this fact. But more importantly, the location remains relatively close to home to alleviate the dangers of tired racers driving long distances back to Lafayette or their respective home.

Will food be provided?

No. As racers, you are responsible for your own health and nutrition. However, proper nutrition will be absolutely essential and significant thought should be put into what you will eat.

What if a team member drops out?

As long as you still have 4 people, you can continue the race, and your team can still place. However, this does not apply to hybrid teams (a team made of members of 2 or more debunked teams). The reason for the change is to allow people who may understand that they cannot physically complete the race, race with a team for part of the race. NO RACING ALONE.