FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 17, 2023) – Carter Caves State Resort Park will host part of the Flying Pig XXV, an orienteering event that attracts hundreds of competitors from around the country, March 25-26.
Orienteering is a navigation sport where competitors use a map and compass to find checkpoints on a course. The winner is the fastest person to locate all the checkpoints.
The Flying Pig, hosted by Orienteering Cincinnati, includes the U.S. Individual Orienteering Championships as well as recreational competitions for newcomers. The event is sanctioned by Orienteering USA, the national federation of the sport.
The campus of Morehead State University will be the site of the first race, the U.S. Sprint Championships, on Friday, March 24.
Carter Caves State Resort Park near Olive Hill will be the site of the remaining two races, the U.S. Long Championships on Saturday, March 25, and the U.S. Middle Championships on Sunday, March 26. The Carter Caves terrain offers challenging navigation among scenic arches and cliff lines.
“We are thrilled to host the Flying Pig XXV at Carter Caves and the trail town of Morehead,” said Kentucky State Parks Commissioner Russ Meyer. “Our state parks and trail towns are a significant part of Kentucky’s $11.2 billion tourism industry, and we are proud to welcome new adventure tourism opportunities. Orienteering is an exciting new way to explore our parks.”
New this year is a maze orienteering event, designed by Bruce Moore of the Orienteering Louisville club.
As of early March, over 290 participants from 29 states, the District of Columbia and four Canadian provinces had registered for the event. More participants are expected.
“These venues are national championship caliber, and this three-day competition will be challenging, both physically and mentally,” said Mike Minium, board member of Orienteering USA.
Those new to the sport are welcome to join, as beginner instruction will be available. Permanent orienteering courses are available at any time at five Kentucky State Parks sites (Barren River Lake, Rough River Dam, E.P. “Tom” Sawyer, Taylorsville Lake and Big Bone Lick State Historic Site).
Olive Hill and Morehead are part of the Kentucky Trail Towns system. There are 25 Kentucky Trail Towns, all recognized for attracting those interested in outdoor adventure tourism.
For more information about the Flying Pig XXV and orienteering events around the country, visit http://www.orienteeringusa.org.
Kentucky is home to 45 state parks, including 17 resort parks and 13 golf courses. For more information about Kentucky State Parks, visit parks.ky.gov.
