Lactic Turkey tests body and brain

Chris Hope sees participants off safely on a mystery kayak activity. Photo / Cabbage Tree Photography

Brains and brawn are of equal value in this Amazing Race-style event which is more about strategy than speed.

The Lactic Turkey Orakei Rogaine is a little unusual, as previous participant and 42-year-old sales manager Richard Fox can attest. "Lactic Turkey have their own unique style. This is a Rogaine in the sense that teams of two to five people use a map to find controls and collect points. Then it becomes an adventure race with mystery activities that earn more points. Some activities require logic such as puzzles, some require skill like knocking cans off a fence - and some are pure fun, like pushing people around a paddock in a go-cart!"

Lactic Turkey event director Shaun Collins confesses to enjoying his work: "These events are such fun to organise ... because of the innovative format we have created. It's a challenge for us to explore the areas searching for parks and the tracks that join them, so we get people out in places they may not have been before.

"Some people describe it as a mix of The Amazing Race, orienteering and Top Town. Dreaming up the mystery activities is fun - in the past we have had eating challenges, archery, kayaking, art, singing and dancing and a maths quiz - a real mix of brain, brawn and teamwork."

The course takes in the Orakei Basin and scenic Waiatarua Reserve. Navigation is easy - map-reading skills are not required - and supervisors provide instruction in the mystery activities, making it safe and achievable for people of all ages and abilities. Points are deducted for going over the time allocated for the 90-minute or three-hour courses.

Fox and teammate Daphne Burrows enjoy the different aspects of skill involved in Rogaining. "We compete as a two-person open mixed team. We are not elite, but have won a couple of 90-minute Rogaines.

"The fit and fast don't necessarily win these events - it's about strategy, and you can score big on the mystery activities".

Fox feels the key to success is an honest assessment of your team's strengths and weaknesses: "Be willing to have a go at anything - but ... be prepared to forfeit the points where you know your team won't perform well. The main thing is spending a good couple of hours outside in the sun doing something you wouldn't normally do."

Chris Hope, the man behind New Zealand Running Calendar, is the first to hear of any running, obstacle, beach, mud or Rogaine events happening around the country.

"I like Lactic Turkey events because they are fairly low-key - it feels less like a 'race', and more like you are doing something with a bunch of friends. Last year I volunteered to supervise the kayak activity. Everyone was having so much fun and at prize giving they were all talking about the event.

"The next day I went out and ran the 3-hour course by myself. I actually did pretty well!"

Hope enjoys the variety Rogaining provides. "It's such a great thing to do with family. It's all about working out the best approach and strategising - not just about running. Everyone finishes together and sticks around for a sausage and prize giving, and that format lends itself to a great atmosphere".

Jamie (10) and Sam (7) are excited about their adventure with their father tomorrow: "It's going to be fun: we get to run around like The Amazing Race!" enthuses Jamie.

Orakei Rogaine

What: 90min or 3hr Rogaine Adventure
When: Tomorrow
Where: Meadowbank, Auckland
For more information: www.lacticturkey.co.nz/Rogaines/