Presidio Park
About this race
Step into San Diego's past at Presidio Park
Explore San Diego’s 1769 birthplace with towering palms that sway overhead, scenic overlooks that reveal the city and the Pacific Ocean, and echoes of centuries past that surround you. Now, imagine navigating this storied 40-acre park - just you, your map, and the thrill of discovery.
This isn’t just any orienteering course; it’s your chance to weave through history, using your wits to find hidden controls where explorers once roamed. The Junípero Serra Museum watches from above, its mission-style silhouette reminding you that every step uncovers another layer of the past.
Whether you’re a seasoned navigator or setting out for the first time, this is your invitation to chart your own course through the living history of San Diego. Will you find every control and leave with a new story to tell?
Event Team:
- Event Director: Chris Day
- Course Setter: Devon Grove
- Visit the Volunteer page to learn how to help with the event.
- See "Volunteer" at the top right of the page. 🔝
- Volunteers get up to a $20 credit for a race to cover their registration fee.
- Volunteer roles explained in detail
Format: Motala
Map: scale 1:3000 | 3m contours
Courses: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
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 will be offered. All participants must bring, rent, or purchase one. Controls will be AIR+ enabled.
E-Punches: Rental electronic punches will be available for $5.
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, Oct 31st.
Closes: Registration will close at 10 am on Friday, Nov 13th, 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: 32°45'26.4"N 117°11'33.3"W
Transit: The Presidio is a short walk from the Old Town Transit Center, the epicenter of San Diego's transit system!
Parking: Limited parking is available on Cosoy Rd. Overflow parking is available in a lot north on Presidio Drive or the neighborhood streets south of HQ.
San Diego Orienteering: Home page | Events
Pick your distance
Trail running
Motala - Beginner
Motala - Intermediate
Motala - Advanced
Typical race-day weather
Based on 7 years of Open-Meteo archive data for this event's race dates in San Diego, plus the 3 days either side.
The sun rises at 6:18 AM and sets at 4:48 PM local time (PST) in San Diego on November 14, 2026 — 10h 30m of daylight.
Course
No course map published yet.
The organizer hasn't released a route for this event, and we don't publish guesses. If you're the organizer, send us a GPX file and we'll draw the profile.
Reviews
Done this event?
If you've participated in this event, share your experience with other runners
Other races near San Diego
Different organizers, within 40 miles, in the next three months
Meet at: Gulls Game
Ice Skating
Meet at: Lights & Sips Cruise
Miles for Migraine San Diego
Where this page comes from. Race details were last updated on . We re-check listings regularly and again in the week before race day.
- Entries, prices, waves and inclusions — the event's official registration page
- Temperature and humidity — Copernicus ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0)
- Elevation and terrain relief — Copernicus DEM GLO-90, ESA (CC BY 4.0)
- Comparisons and counts — Race Discovery calendar, 251 San Diego events
Spotted something wrong? Tell us and we'll fix it.