Rogaining comes to Riga for the first time

Original publication date: 22 October 2014

Teams will try to collect as many checkpoint points as possible within a time limit of 2, 4 or 6 hours. Rogaining is an increasingly popular form of orienteering, and Latvia will even host the 15th World Rogaining Championships in 2017.

Most rogaining events take place in forests and natural surroundings, but Riga Rogaining will stand out by combining urban areas with nature. Participants will travel on foot, walking or running. Although a classic rogaine lasts 24 hours, events also use shorter time limits. Riga Rogaining will offer 6-hour and 4-hour courses for participants seeking a longer challenge, and a 2-hour course for families with children.

“We are delighted that this event will help promote rogaining as one of the most interesting team sports. It requires good physical fitness, but strategic thinking and route planning are even more important. The third challenge is carrying out the team's plan within the time limit by choosing the best route for its abilities. We hope these competitions will attract new participants and help the sport grow in Riga and across Latvia,” say the organisers.

The Rogaining in Latvia website explains: “Rogaining is a team sport involving navigation over a very long distance. A team of 2–5 participants visits checkpoints in an order of its own choosing within a set time. Using a map and compass to navigate freely across the terrain, the team aims to collect as many points as possible by visiting checkpoints. Different checkpoints have different point values.” Registration will open in the second half of October at www.rigasrogainings.lv.

The event is presented by Riga City Council and its Education, Culture and Sports Department.