Road Runner Sports Adventure Runs have about the same number of annual starts as all OUSA clubs combined.
Agreed, and I've said that elsewhere on AP.
The issue with RRS is that there's little emphasis on navigation and maps. If you pre-register with a smartphone, it's all google-ified. If you don't, it's just basically a list of locations and a generic giant map on a wall. It's a publicity stunt with a little bit of orienteering DNA mixed in there.
But the MazePlay stuff, how is
this NOT orienteering? Accurate paper maps? Check. Punchcards at checkpoints? Check. Pay to enter? Check. Rules to follow? Check.
Here are some of the things said in that slideshow:
-- "Wear good sturdy shoes... wear clothes for playing in the outdoors."
-- "Bring your family and friends."
-- "Make sure that you read and understand the rules."
-- "Be sure that you get your punchcard. It is your map to fun and adventure!"
-- "There are so many choices."
-- "I found the checkpoint! Now I can punch my card... and look for the next one!
-- "I am going to be the first to finish... the fastest!"
That sounds like orienteering to me.
Mazeplay has a national footprint. Orienteering USA has a national footprint. Seems like there should be a natural relationship here.