The success of the Weston School Rogaine has kept it on the fundraising map this year, with the date set for March 25.

This will be the third year of the event, which was initially introduced after the school's annual November fireworks night had to be cancelled in 2020 and then again in 2021, due to Covid-19.

Organising committee spokesperson Twyla Kingan said they decided to carry on with it, because it was a “fun community event”.

“We had to think outside the box when the fireworks couldn’t go ahead, but we still wanted to bring the community together and have a fun day with them, and the rogaine fit, at that stage. 

“None of the committee really knew what a rogaine was, so we had to do a bit of an introduction to them, and there is still a drive from the Home and School to want to see it continue, which is really cool.” 

A rogaine is an event in which competitors find their way across open country with a map (and sometimes a compass) to find checkpoints. Competitors choose their own courses, and reach as many checkpoints as possible in an allocated timeframe.

This event is for three hours. Teams do not have to compete for the full three hours, but can not go over the three hours. Different checkpoints are worth different amounts of points, and the goal is to collect as many points as possible.

As in previous years, there would be five categories - years 7 and 8, years 9 and 10, years 11 to 13, family, and open. Teams could be made up of three or four people, Twyla said.

“If you want to take your three-year-old, then you can - and make it for as long or as short as you want.” 

The exact location of the course was a secret until the closer to the event, but it was on the private farm of a former Weston School family, she said.

“When you set the course you’re always looking for some hills, some trees, some rocks, just some cool features to do.”

There would be a sausage sizzle at the finish line, and prizes for the placegetters, as well as spot prizes.

Twyla said the event provided the perfect opportunity for women entered into this year’s Waitaki-based Spring Challenge to practise their navigation skills, and she wanted to emphasise people should not be intimidated by it.

“It’s such a fun event, and I wish more people knew about rogaines, because it’s not scary, and it’s just such a cool adventure.”

Last year’s event attracted almost 200 participants, and organisers were hoping to add to that this year.

Registrations can be made through the below link by March 20, or a small amount of registrations would be accepted on the day. Further information could be found on the Weston School Rogaine Facebook page.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/533913378287