ROGAINING
Rogaining is long distance cross-country navigation in which teams of two to five members visit as many checkpoints as possible in the specified time.
In Victoria, rogaines are typically run over periods of 6, 12 or 24 hours. In a bush rogaine, 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 (called the “Hash House”) provides hot meals throughout the event and teams may return at any time to eat, rest or sleep.
Rogaining is a team activity for people of all ages and levels of fitness. It provides competitors with navigational challenges, a way of enjoying the outdoors and a sense of achievement. Some attractions of rogaining include access to places that are very scenic, the opportunity for night navigation and the extra challenges that this involves, camping at the Hash House around a fireplace, and the feeling of community when helping out. The enjoyment comes from finding your way around a course that you have chosen and navigating back to the finish. Since there is no restriction on which, or how many (or few) checkpoints you choose to visit, competitors of all ages and standards can compete on the same playing field.
At each event, the Hash House provides free food and drink for competitors. Teams may return to the Hash House at any time during the event and as often as they like for food, rest, sleep, and conversation.
Richard Zhang
2018 rogaining rep