rogaining

Rogaining is a sport similar to orienteering, in which teams compete over a course which requires at least twelve hours to compete. N. and R. Phillips in Rogaining (1982) explain: Rogaining is the sport of long distance cross-country navigation in which teams of two to five members visit as many checkpoints as possible in an allocated period. Teams travel entirely on foot, navigating by map and compass in terrain that varies from open farmland to thick, hilly forest. A central base camp provides hot meals throughout the event and teams may return there at ant time to eat, rest or sleep. What is the origin of the term? A hint is provided in ACT Orienteering News 7 March 1986: According to the book Rogaining-cross-country navigation by Neil and Rod Phillips, the term was introduced in 1976 to coordinate and promote a rapidly developing sport which had originated as the Melboune Uni. Mountaineering Club 25 hour walk (a line event)... and later, the Surrey Thomas Rover Crew annual hike. The contribution of Neil, Rod and also Gail Phillips in promotion of the sport initially in Victoria and later in W.A. and Tas. is understated in the book, and no explanation is offered for the term which they introduced. However, it is altogether too much of a coincidence that 'rogaine' is a compound word of the first letters of each of their names: Rod, Gail and Neil.