Racing the clock: Macleans College takes on Rogaine at Muriwai Beach

With maps in hand and the clock ticking, they navigated through sand dunes, forests and hills in a thrilling test of endurance, strategy and teamwork.

Rogaine is a challenging form of cross-country navigation. Individuals or teams aim to visit as many checkpoints (called controls) as possible within a set time. Unlike traditional orienteering, controls can be visited in any order, and each is worth a different number of points. Competitors rely only on a map and compass, with penalties for finishing late.

In this event, teams had 90 minutes to collect points by locating controls scattered across rugged terrain. The course featured pine forests, native bush and expansive sand dunes. While tracks offered opportunities for faster movement, smart route planning was key to avoiding unnecessary climbs and making the most of downhill sections.

Despite some students being new to rogaine, all performed commendably. Highlights included:

• Christian Lianto (Snell House) and Lucas Kato (Mansfield) - fourth place, Intermediate Boys Team (just one control short of the bronze medal)
• Ashton Phillips (Kupe) and Klaas Kamp (Kupe) - fourth place, Senior Boys Team
• Mayah Clements (Mansfield) - sixth place, Junior Girls Individual
• Emery and Shaun Cai (Snell) - seventh place, Junior Boys Team
• Sophie Tao (Kupe) - 11th place, Senior Girls Individual