Will the scent of ripening grapes or coastal sea air wafting up in to the hills and in the air as you enter Marlborough add to the unique experience of the 2011 champs? Maybe the sensory glands will be overcome with thoughts of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir to distract you from the task at hand. Will willpower to get the next control and thereafter be strong or instead bailing out and heading for a local winery? Whatever your preferred variety be assured that this will be a memorable event - spectacular terrain, course, landscapes and views. You'll remember it every time you travel through Marlborough - just like a fine wine.

A rogaine is an endurance orienteering event. It involves competitors travelling on foot in teams of a least two and at the most five people, visiting designated sites shown on a 1:50,000 topographical map, for which they accumulate points. The skill is in choosing a route that maximises points gained for effort expended, while returning to the finish on time. Rogaines appeal to trampers, orienteers and endurance athletes.

Question: Are Rogaines only for serious competitors?

Answer: NO! Rogaines are for everyone who enjoys the outdoors. All competitors start and finish at the same time. You are free to do as much or as little as you like. Many teams will include a sleep back at base in the 24 hours.

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or those who are not up to the rigours of a 24 hour Championship there will be a non-championship "15 in 24hr" Rogaine. In this format, very popular in Australia and offered for the first time in New Zealand, participants can spend any time they like on the course up to a maximum of 15 hours within the 24 hour event duration. For the other 9 hours people rest, socialise, eat and sleep.

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n both events there will be the usual Men, Women and Mixed classes in the Open, Junior, Veteran and Superveteran categories. Note: for 2011 and beyond the Junior category has been re-classified as under 23 (formerly under 20).

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ntries open on 12th February so, in the meantime, get your team together and start a little training.

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or more detail about the event see the Event Information page.