A Rogaine is all foot travel using map and compass. No bikes, paddling, or swimming in this event!

No solo – teams of 2 to 5 folks. The world’s best teams are typically two people. 

Event Center! The Event Center (Hash House) is the Stockade Lake Group Area at Custer State Park. It is an open air picnic shelter with tables and fire grates. It has lights and electricity. The kitchen will be adjacent.

The Event Center will be the racers center of activity. We will also have pop-ups for various functions (registration, medical, etc.). We will be encircling the shelter with the pop-ups. We also intend to have additional picnic tables that will not be under cover, but can be used for map work.

Tenting will be level and very close. Vault toilets are nearby. Individual sites may be reserved at the Stockade Lake Campground. Those shower rooms are available to all Rogaine registrants and volunteers.

Update! The map scale is 1:30K enhanced USGS so the entire Rogaine area will fit on a single 24”x36” map.

New! Looking for a teammate? Contact Rick Emerson to express interest and he will coordinate introductions with potential teammates.

Clarification! Custer State Park has the following rules about pets. All pets must be on a leash less than 10 feet long when in designated campgrounds and other public use areas. Outside of  campgrounds and day use areas pets must be under immediate control and more than 200 feet from other park guests.

As the Park allows dogs and many of us may be dog people, I am not against having the dog along, but caution about the animal hazards and stress that you be responsible for your pet. If you do bring your pal, please remember that others are there to enjoy the experience and quietly control it accordingly. Also, pick up the poop if it is not backcountry and please do flick it off trail if it is backcountry. If you have any concerns on behavior, please play it safe and leave the buddy home.

The 12-in-24 event is a consecutive 12 hour race. If a team starts at 3 PM Saturday, they need to be off course by 3 AM Sunday.

Yes, the rules require the team be together. The rules state: members of a team shall remain within unaided verbal contact of one another at all times while on the course and all team members shall simultaneously approach to within 20 meters, and within sight, of each checkpoint for which points are claimed.

Each flag is worth different points. Teams receive maps two hours before the start and plan their routes of travel. The harder the checkpoint is to find or the more distant – the higher the point value. The team with the most points is the winner.

While some teams are competitive, many people orienteer for the exercise and the aesthetics. This is a great opportunity for a backcountry walk in the Park. The flags will be scattered across a large expanse and I look for spots that are beautiful and/or educational. Most off the beaten path, but still allow folks to have fun while being challenged. FYI, there are numerous little two-tracks out there. My goal in course design is everyone who participates should feel like they are a winner.

The event is centered out of the Custer State Park. This allows teams to come back to rest, change clothes and fortify. You can plan more strategy, grab food and drink, and get warm. In a Rogaine, food is provided by the organizers, served a few hours after the start through the event. Evenings in August can be inclement - a quick thunder storm is often possible. We have a large shelter if the weather becomes inhospitable and pop-ups for additional shelter.

Directions! Driving-wise, there are about six ways into Custer State Park, but the most direct way for accessing the Stockade Lake Group Area is from the west. Take US 16A east out of Custer, about 3 miles, to Stockade Lake Drive and the South Campground. The Event Center is about 1 1/4 miles southeast of the US 16A junction. FYI, Park permits are available just uphill of the turn, so please visit that booth before joining us at the Event Center.

Thanks for the questions!