Dear Entrant,
Thank you for entering the Australasian Rogaining Championships 2019. Here are some interim details. You will receive comprehensive pre-event information, including directions to the Hash House, on about 28 October.
When you entered you received a copy of your entry information via email. Please check these details and correct them if necessary. In particular, we have noticed possible anomalies in the state and age/gender category for a small number of entries. A current list of entries and assigned categories is available on the ARC2019 website. Instructions on how to review and edit your entry are available on the entry website and were also provided in your entry confirmation email.
The other thing you can still do via the online entry system is to order any extras, such as bus transport (from Launceston or Hobart), event T-shirts (superb quality, not just a cheapo souvenir), extra meals (for Friday night & Saturday morning, or for accompanying non-competitors), or an extra copy of the map (as a clean memento of the event). See the ARC2019 website for more information. Please note that all extra services will increase in price by 30% when late entry fees kick in on the 14th October.
Speaking of the map, it is 1:25,000, 730 x 500 mm, on waterproof “paper” (Teslin).
Remember that the event start is 11:00 am Saturday, an hour earlier than most rogaines. This earlier start time has been approved by the Australian Rogaining Association so that there is time for transport back to airports for those flying out of Tasmania on the Sunday.
A heads-up that your shoes (and tent pegs) must be spotlessly free of soil before you will be allowed to start. The Parks and Wildlife Service have very reasonably required that we do not bring into the event area any Phytophthora cinnamoni – a nasty fungal disease that kills forests.
Parts of the event area are remote and do not have mobile phone coverage. As such we strongly encourage each team to carry a PLB (personal locator beacon). They are not cheap, but should you have a serious mishap during any remote-area outdoor activity a PLB may be the difference between life and death (or at least prolonged discomfort and distress, including for your loved ones). Suitable units are available from most outdoor shops and a number of online retailers.
Weather at St Helens is generally pleasant during November but you should be prepared for anything. There are a few relevant weather statistics (plus plenty of other information) on the ARC2019 website.
Finally, to whet your appetite, we have engaged our usual professional caterer who has developed a delicious menu for the Hash House and All Night Cafe, including vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Peter Tuft
Event Director