What is Rogain?
Beautiful scenery, good company and great food.
TA OK Rogain is a foot orienteering in beautiful Estonian nature, where two- to five-member teams have a challenge to score as many points as possible for visiting checkpoints during 8 hours (or during 4 hours, if in the short format). There are a total of 45 checkpoints with different value on the terrain.
Rogaining is the sport of long distance cross-country navigation in which teams of two to five members visit as many checkpoints as possible in twenty-four hours. 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 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.
The traditional rogain is 24 hours in duration, however, there are also shorter events of 4, 6, 8 and 12 hours. Most events are held within a two hour drive of major cities. Most rogaines are held on foot in picturesque bush and farmland locations, however, some events are held in metropolitan areas (Metrogaines), on bikes (Cyclogaines) and on cross-country skis (Snowgaines).
Rogaining is a real adventure sport and is a lot of fun.
Rogaining is a team activity for people of all ages and levels of fitness. Everyone from elite athletes to families with young children can enjoy rogaining. New rogainers are always welcome and event organisers are willing to help you get started. The parts of the course you visit are entirely up to you and your team members. There are no set routes and you don’t have to spend the whole time on the course. You can even return to the Hash House at anytime for some hot food and rest around the campfire, or even a sleep, before heading out again. Some competitive teams may cover 50 km in a 12-hour event and even more in an event of 24 hours duration. However, the distance you travel is entirely up to you. The satisfaction comes in finding your way around the course according to the route that you have chosen, and navigating back to the finish within the time limit.
Rogaining is good value for money; all you need is basic bushwalking gear including a compass, whistle, pencil, water bottle, comfortable and warm clothes and shoes, and a basic team first aid kit. On 12 and 24 hour events you may also wish to bring along camping gear and spend overnight at the Hash House.
Between 30 minutes and 3 hours (depending on the length of the event) before the start of the event you get a map with all the control locations marked on it. You also receive a description of the control points and their points value. The idea is you choose your own route to get what ever controls you want. Make sure that you get back before the time limit expires as there are hefty points penalties for being late. At each control there is a punch that you make a hole in your control card with at the appropriate numbered square for that control, this proves you have been to the control. Rogaining is a team sport and the team MUST stay together at all times.