On May 8th and 9th, 2010 the inaugural Dakota Rogaining Championships will be held in Custer State Park. A Rogaine is a long-distance cross-country navigation race for teams traveling on foot by map and compass. The object is to score points by finding checkpoints (orienteering flags) within the specified time frame. Organized by Peak Assurance with course design by Rick Emerson, the host club is the Black Hills Orienteering Club.

Where the deer and the antelope roam, the Park is also home to herds of buffalo and elk - with wildlife like Rocky Mountain big horn sheep and goats, plus a few mountain lions thrown in to boot. 

The Champs are sanctioned by the United States Orienteering Federation and will include the 24-hour championship, a 12-in-24 hour intermediate race, and a 4-hour short course for beginners and juniors. Teams may consist of two to five members and USOF rules of competition will apply. Start times will be staggered so participants will finish Sunday midday. The intent is to have the juniors and beginners finish alongside the Champs navigators so they experience the same rush.

An award ceremony and barbeque will be held mid-afternoon to acknowledge all participants and recognize class winners. Teams are divided into categories of Men, Women, and Mixed. Within each category, there are divisions by age – Junior, Open, Veteran, and Super-Veteran.

These Dakota Rogaining Championships will build off the success of Primal Quest Badlands 2009 and the continued interest in outdoor recreation for western South Dakota. Outdoor recreation is a excellent cost beneficial way to promote economic development in South Dakota by showcasing our natural resources and enticing folks to enjoy our unique environment. There is also considerable interest in junior involvement based on discussions with state personnel and feedback from school assembly programs. Exposing multiple generations to new and different activities will seed interest for years to come.

Contact Rick Emerson at info@peakassurance.net to learn more about competing or sponsoring this inaugural event showcasing outdoor recreation in western South Dakota.