O' Flag The following piece of a map shows a course leg and some alternate route choices.  The best route choice could be the shortest, or flattest, or smoothest or driest, or least prickly or the most certain to find the control easily.  It all depends on your skill level and physical ability and personal preference.

Route choices from control 8 to 9:
O' Flag  a) long run, level terrain, and safe from getting lost;
O' Flag  b) safe and most trail running;
O' Flag  c) shorter route, open terrain running;
O' Flag  d) shortest route, steeper terrain, and prickly vegetation.
Example Course Leg