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South Dakota to Host 12 WRC 2014

Press Release / 15.07.2011

The International Rogaining Federation has awarded the Black Hills of South Dakota the 12th World Rogaining Championships. The Championships are planned for August 16-17, 2014 and will attract several hundred elite cross-country navigators from all continents.

The bid proposed by the Black Hills Orienteering Club with course design and event organization by Rick Emerson of Peak Assurance succeeded voting of IRF members from across the globe. Rick says, “Our selection evidences the world-class outdoor recreation available in South Dakota. The BHOC is honored to host 12 WRC 2014 and I am looking forward to working with the US Forest Service and others in South Dakota to organize these Championships”.

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 orienteering flags placed in the backcountry within the specified time frame. IRF President, Neil Phillips, said this is the second time the US has hosted the World Rogaining Championships, following the 6th World Rogaining

Championships held 2004 in Arizona. Rogaining in the US started in 1989 when Bob Reddick organized a 24-hour Rogaine east of Seattle and now more than half the states have since held Rogaines.

Rogaining came recently to South Dakota. Following the success of Primal Quest Badlands 2009, Rick organized the Dakota Rogaining Championships. The inaugural event held during May 2010 in Custer State Park attracted 26 teams from 14 states and provinces. The 2011 Championships are August 20-21 and current entries span 15 states and provinces. Registration for that event is open to the first 40 teams, as Custer State Park has limited the number of teams for 2011 while conducting an elk study.

Rogaining is an environmentally friendly outdoor recreation event. The competition is spread over two days, but the participants often come early and stay after. Rick says 2010 DRC competitors attested that fact as many flew or drove in, toured the Black Hills, and supported our local economies. “Hosting the World’s in 2014 will provide a substantial economic impact during our shoulder season after the Sturgis Rally”.

Visit www.peakassurance.net to learn more about Rogaining and the Dakota Rogaining
Championships.