TWO hundred adventure seekers from all over Australia converged on North Stradbroke Island last weekend to participate in the Surviving Straddie eight-hour Rogaine.
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Rogaining is the sport of long distance cross-country navigation where teams of two to five competitors travel on foot, attempting to locate checkpoints using only a map and compass.
Participants were briefed at the start of the event by conservationist Stell Grimmett, about the fox problem that plagues the island with a population of over 1000.
She explained how spotting of dens could lead to saving the lives of over 1million native animals from insects to mammals which are killed by foxes on Stradbroke annually.
Participants were asked to report any fox tracks or dens found throughout the course and two previously unknown dens were found along and many instances of fox activity reported.
"Foxes have a rapacious appetite for native wildlife," Ms Grimmett said.
Using 100sq km of bushland, the competitors were sent off on their eight-hour adventure in all directions from the North Stradbroke Island Golf Club.
Organisers Jared Brown and Nathan Mauer said they were grateful for the community support from Sibelco and Redland City Council along with the SES volunteers.
SES volunteers manned water stations and added a “social and chatty whim to the event”.
“The overwhelming vibe from the competitors was extremely positive," Mr Brown said. "Many are looking forward to coming back to this beautiful island again soon.”
Rogaining is growing in popularity as more try to escape busy urban lives, and immerse themselves in the peaceful Australian bush.
Anyone wishing to learn more about Rogaining should visit qld.rogaining.org.au.
