We arrived in Spain several days early to prepare for the event. The model event gave us a chance to get familiar with the terrain and map. It quickly became clear that areas marked green really were thick and best avoided, while the surrounding landscape was beautiful and inspiring.
Everything for the Rogaine was packed carefully the night before, dividing our food into 4– 6-hour bags so we could keep eating consistently throughout the event. Bottles were filled, gear, torches and safety gear packed — everything ready. After a big breakfast the next morning, we set off for the event.
For planning, the northern part of the map was hilly, while the terrain sloped steadily downhill as you moved south. We decided to tackle the hills early in the day while we were strongest, leaving flatter ground for the later hours. The technical planning was split between us where we were analysing points per kilometre along with distances and alternate routes.
12:00pm came around! And we started steadily, holding a good pace through the first six hours to the east top end of the map which was almost constant climbing. Navigation was tricky — the terrain was vague, steep, and scattered with rocks, but we were cautious and precise. The views from 64 were spectacular, with hills rolling away in every direction. Our legs were very tired at the top and we were so happy to finally have some downhill. At one point we even walked past cows barely ten metres away, before dropping down the ridgeline towards 102 and 44. The descent from 102 to 44 was so steep it felt like sliding — equal parts challenge and fun.
At the second hash house on the top of the map there was warm soup and electrolytes that gave us a much-needed boost. From there we climbed again, tackling 92. The steepness made it tough, but manageable. We looped through 88, 104, and then hit our first mistake at 83. It had just gone dark, and although our bearing was accurate, we ended up slightly high in the control circle and doubted ourselves. After about 20 cautious minutes, the glint of the control flag finally set us right.
Our next plan was to head to 120, but the thick green vegetation turned out to be impassable
— at times we were walking on top of the bushes themselves. We abandoned the control, cut back, and reset at 45. From there we worked through 109 again and began our night loop. The steep terrain continued around 113 before descending to 90.
At this point, digestion issues hit us hard. Both Joanna and I struggled to keep food down, where we were vomiting any food we ate, leaving us weak and drowsy. Our navigation faltered, and instead of pushing for 121, we rerouted through 94. Slow rocky terrain and misleading tracks cost us some time but eventually dawn lifted our spirits.
With new energy with the daylight, we ran sections towards 71, then 89, though a “water source” turned out to be a murky green pond we didn’t dare refill from. From there we continued via 86, 110, 52, 70, and 55 before finally looping back towards the finish.
Overall, it was an incredible learning experience. Talking with other competitors afterward gave us new ideas for route planning and strategy that we’ll carry into future events. The scenery was stunning, the navigation a constant test, and despite the challenges — steep climbs, night navigation, thick scrub, and upset stomachs — we had a fantastic time.
Most importantly, it was an adventure we were able to share together. We’re already excited for the next one, and keen to take on the World Rogaining Championships in 2027 with Meredith Norman as part of our team. We are incredible thankful for all the support we have received.
