What is a metrogaine?

A metrogaine is an urban long-distance score-orienteering competition developed by three hardcore Australian runners (Rod, Gail, and Neil Phillips). Originally, these events were 24 hours long but now there are shorter versions for 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 hours. For these events, competitors have a mass start and then have that limited amount of time to find as many checkpoints as possible.

Why are teams required for rogaines/metrogaines lasting 6+ hours?

Teams are required for competitions lasting over 6 hours for safety reasons. If one person becomes exhausted, a second person is on hand to help that person.

What are metrogaine maps like?

These maps are very detailed street and trail topographical maps that show where runners and hikers can go and where they are not allowed to go. Streets and trails are shown with black lines while private property is shown with white. Parks with vegetation are shown with green and parks with grassy areas that can be crossed are shown with yellow. Only very large buildings (if any) are shown. Typically, anything withing private property is not shown so that maps are easier to read.

Do competitors run or walk when competing in metrogaines and rogaines?

Participants travel at any speed that makes sense for them. Many walk most of the time until they get near a checkpoint and then they run to the checkpoint until the Map Run app on their phone registers that they found a control site. At that time, the start navigating to the next checkpoint.

How close to a checkpoint do I need to be to have the Map Run app indicate that I found that site?

Typically, for our competitions, you must be within 15 meters of the center of the circle shown on your map for the Map Run phone app to register that you found the checkpoint.

How popular is rogaining and metrogaining?

In Australia and Europe, this sport is very well known and very popular. In the US, the sport is still in its infancy, but it is growing in its popularity.

If I sign up for a six hour competition, do I have to run or walk for that entire time? What if I want to quit early?

It is totally up to you how long you run or walk. Many people take breaks at local parks and eateries. Nearly everyone brings a backpack with water, food, and a first aid kit. If you get hurt or exhausted, you can quite early (many do just that). It is up to you if you continue competing for the entire time allowed for your course.

What happens if I return late for my course?

You are overtime and points are subtracted from the score that you accumulated from finding controls. Late penalties are often quite severe to encourage everyone to return on time. Don't be late if possible--return early if possible.

Can I bring children or pets on a rogaine or metrogaine course?

Typically, we do not recommend that you bring children (especially young children) or pets as they are probably not conditioned for the longer distance events. You know their capabilities, so use your discretion.