GAOC would like to acknowledge the enduring gifts Mal Harding has given to the sport of orienteering, rogaining, and in particular, our own GAOC Extreme-O, by naming this and all future GAOC Extreme-O competitions in his name.

Mal, along with “partners-in-crime” Linda and Chuck Ferguson (and others), has been an essential part of the Extreme-O competition in Georgia from its inception. Mal and Chuck, frequently referred to as the “Evil Twins”, are known for coming up with new tortures each and every time! Mal typically shows up “on-site” several days before the event so he can scout out the absolute best (should I say, worst) spots to place mind-bending, body-contorting controls and tasks.

Although a long-time integral member of the Columbia River Orienteering Club (CROC), Mal has generously shared his time, expertise, and scheming mind with GAOC every year to always come up with novel and totally devious ways to test minds, bodies, and most importantly--funny bones!

Please enjoy the First Annual Mal Harding Extreme-O!

Extreme-O is patterned after a three-day military competition held in a member NATO country each year. Typically, competitors orienteer from several different types of maps, including aerial photographs, quads and topographical maps. Past events have included rope bridge crossings, canoe legs, culvert controls, memory legs and other interesting tests.

Due to the nature of the event, advance registration is a must and space is limited to approximately 75. The cost is $17 per set of materials/maps. Couples or groups sharing a set of materials/maps count as one and pay a single fee.

The event begins by 9:00am on Monday and everyone must be finished by noon. First start will be announced at the briefing on Sunday afternoon.

All participants must attend a mandatory briefing on Sunday immediately following the awards ceremony at the Group Shelter Meet HQ.

Important information will be presented that will be necessary for the competitor to be successful - such as instruction on how to plot coordinates. Further information and supplies will also be passed out as needed. After receiving the necessary information, the competitors decide if they will attempt the long or short course. Individuals can also be paired up with a teammate since it's more fun as a group.

Group leaders must pre-register for the Extreme-O and list the other group members in the Notes section of their registration.

Events Directors: Chuck & Linda Ferguson