Rogaining is a sport of long distance cross-country navigation, involving both route planning and

navigation between checkpoints using a variety of map types. In a rogaine, teams of 2-5 people
choose which checkpoints to visit within a time limit with the intent of maximizing their score.
Teamwork, endurance, competition and an appreciation for the natural environment are features of
the sport. Championship rogaines are 24 hours long, however rogaines can be as short as 3 hours

HISTORY

Rogaining can trace its roots back to 1947 when the first of many events with some of the features of
rogaines was organized by the Melbourne University Mountaineering Club. The events from the
1940s eventually led to the birth of the sport of rogaining in April, 1976, in Melbourne, Australia. The
sport was named, rules were adopted and the world’s first rogaining association was formed (the
Victorian Rogaining Association). Growth of the association and the sport occurred rapidly over the
next decade.

The word rogaining is derived from the names of three of the founders, Rod Phillips, Gail Davis (née
Phillips) and Neil Phillips (RoGaiNe, hence 'rogaining', 'rogainer' etc.) who were all members of the
Surrey-Thomas Rover Crew which organized the world's first rogaine. The name was formally
adopted by the Victorian Rogaining Association at its inaugural annual general meeting in August,
1976 and accepted by Scouts Australia and University bushwalking groups to give the new sport an
identity in its own right.[2]

ROGAINE is also a backronym for "Rugged Outdoor Group Activity Involving Navigation and
Endurance".

BASIC PLAY

Teams of two to five members visit as many checkpoints as possible in the time allowed. Shorter
duration rogaines often allow solo competitors. Checkpoints are scored differently depending on
level of difficulty in reaching them; therefore teams choose a strategy (for example, to visit many low
score checkpoints). Teams travel entirely on foot, navigating by map and compass between
checkpoints in terrain that varies from open farmland to hilly forest. A central base camp known as a
"hash house" provides hot meals throughout the event and teams may return at any time to eat, rest
or sleep. Teams travel at their own pace and anyone from children to grandparents can experience
the personal satisfaction that comes from cross-country navigation at their own level of competition
and comfort. Team members stay within earshot of each other.

The duration of a championship Rogaine is 24 hours, but shorter variations such as 3, 6, 8, 12 and
15 hour events are also held (sometimes concurrently with a 24-hour event). Depending on the
terrain, experienced rogaining teams can cover more than one hundred kilometers over the 24-hour
period. There have also been longer events (dubbed "ULTRA rogaines") lasting 48 and 50 hours. In
their native Australia, Rogaines are usually held every month during weekends near full moons, with
annual state championships and an annual national championship. They require dozens of
volunteers to run, including course setters and caterers and are often attended by hundreds of
participants. A competitive 24-hour rogaine requires a map area of around 250 km2 (~ 100 mi2), for
relatively flat terrain; terrain with significant climbs may require far less or far more area, depending
on the placement of checkpoints.
VARIETY OF RACE

Metrogaine - An event of usually around 6 hours and held in predominantly urban areas.

Cyclogaine - Usually run for 6 hours in areas with trails suitable for mountainbiking.

Snogaine - Held in areas that are snowbound and participants may either snowshoe or ski to reach
checkpoints.

Paddlogaine - A rogaine on a water covered area, such as a set of interconnected lakes, participants
can generally use any human powered watercraft they want.

Pubgaine - A rogaine held within an urban center with a suitable number of public houses. Points
awarded for pubs visited, with bonus points for drinks consumed per pub.