Bluenose Classic
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About the race
The Bluenose Classic is an orienteering event on October 17, 2026, held at Sandy Lake Park in Bedford, Nova Scotia. It serves as the provincial championship while offering courses for a range of navigation abilities, including a beginner course. The event will use the Sandy Lake Park map created for the Canadian Orienteering Championships held in the same region earlier in 2026. Assigned staggered starts will be used and posted the evening before the event to space competitors.
The venue includes a lake with a swimming area (unsupervised in October), picnic tables, a beach volleyball area, and a network of hiking and mountain bike trails through mixed new and old growth forest. Except for the beach area, Sandy Lake is an off-leash dog area from October through June.
Courses require visiting control points in the map order. A beginner clinic may be offered and on-site instruction is available for those who request it. A small post-event snack will be provided; participants should bring personal water. There are no public washrooms on site; the nearest facilities are on Gary Martin Drive or in Mill Cove. Parking details are being determined. The event runs in rain or snow with local thunder managed by short delays; major storms may lead to rescheduling.
Courses and typical lengths: Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
- Beginner course TD1, approx 2 km, follows marked trails.
- Novice course TD2, approx 2 km, trails and simple route choices.
- Intermediate course TD3, approx 3 km, route choice and compass use.
- Advanced course TD4, approx 3.5 km, off-trail route choices.
- Expert/Elite course TD5, approx 4 km, complex navigation and stamina.
