Note that this article was first published 7 September 2016 at Rogue Adventure.
The Urban Rogue is set to return: a 3 hour metrogaine in the heart of the Brisbane CBD! Come experience the city Friday night lights, where you and up to four other team mates will navigate to collect as many check points as possible in a 3 hour time limit. Set at a time to capitalise on the cooler summer evening temperatures, this course is achievable by all levels of athlete. Whether you’re out for a casual stroll with the family or one of the city’s elite runners, you chose as much or as little of the course that you want to do.
Full details on the race can be found below. Only basic navigational skills are required (equivalent to a street directory map with no street names printed). Keep an eye out for the “special categories” for an unusual twist on proceedings. Those who have participated in previous editions of the Urban Rogue will be familiar with the format, however I’ve had a play with the points setting with fewer controls and a new race HQ to hopefully have you scratching your heads on how to optimise the best score.
Date: Friday, 2nd of December, 2016.
Location: There will be a new Race HQ location in 2016 at the Lang Park PCYC at 40 Castlemaine St, Milton. There is ample shelter and access to toilets although you may still want to bring your own chair and table for map mark up. Free undercover parking is available for competitors in the PCYC car park off Castlemaine St, however please park as far back in the car park as possible and consider car pooling where possible as places are limited. Once full, competitors should seek on street parking in the surrounding area. Both Milton and Roma St stations are within close proximity for those catching a train.
Length: 3 Hours.
Timings: Late registration ——————5:30pm .
__________Map handout ——————— 5:40pm .
__________Final briefing ——————— 6:25pm .
__________Event Start ———————— 6:30pm .
__________Event Finish/Presentations —– 9:30pm.
Cost: $20 / person. Juniors (under 15 y.o.) compete free. Funds raised from the proceeds of catering will contribute to the Lang Park PCYC Youth Development program to sponsor a Dukes of Edinburgh Journey to assist you dukes to get out and experience the Australian bush.
Entries: Entries can be made at the QRA website here.
Map: A3 colour, 1:16000. One per competitor. Format: Q and A type check points (CPs) with a traditional rogaine scoring format. See the QLD Rogaine Association Website for more details if you are unfamiliar with how a rogaine works. For an example course, including the map from 2014, check out the race report here. Expect fewer check points and a new HQ location this year!
Team size: 2 to 5 competitors.
Catering: Sausage sizzle and drink prepared by the Duke of Edinburgh volunteers.
Categories: Along with the traditional Mixed/Mens/Womens and Opens/Veterans/Junior/Family team categories, the Urban Rogue will have an additional special category: “Urban Rogue on Wheels”. This category is open to teams using any form of non-motorised transport with wheels, except for bicycles. For example, teams in this category could use roller skates, skateboards, kick bikes, unicycles, roller blades, scooters, strollers, wheelchairs, etc. Bicycles are not permitted. If you are unsure whether you qualify for this category, email me to find out. As an aside, it is interesting to note that the overall winners from the 2013 Urban were on roller blades, but the winners of the 2014 and 2015 event were on foot. Who will take out the 2016 title?
Equipment: Teams will be required to bring a torch or headlamp to read the map and a couple of marker pens to record their answers to the CPs. They will also need a digital camera or a phone capable of taking photos for a special check point. A compass, water bottle and means of protecting your maps and answer sheet (eg A3 plastic sleeve) are also strongly recommended. A calculator to work out your score at the end of the race would also be handy.
Other Rules: The course must be completed as a team together (no relays) and members are not allowed to separate. The use of smart phones, GPS devices, etc is not permitted, nor working with other teams to collect answers. Teams are not allowed to use any private or public transport.
If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at rogueadventureracing@gmail.com. I look forward to catching you in December when the Rogue goes Urban.