Welcome words from Event Director.

Martins Vimba,
Event Director.

We are truly honored to host the large family of rogainers in 2017, when we have been approved to organize the World Rogaining Championships!
Let me tell you a few words about the upcoming event! Competition area (~250 km²) is located in the central and south part of Rāzna National Park, Latgale upland in Latvia.  The 15th WRC2017 event location is situated ~ 275 km to E from capital Riga, ~40 km SE of Rēzekne, ~ 100 km NE of the second largest city of Latvia – Daugavpils.

Selected competition area provides interesting, challenging and enjoyable countryside and terrain for competition. There are no big mountains in the area, but a lot of small and medium sized hills with climbs up to 60 m. There are no big swamps and rivers, but a lot of small streams.

Plenty of lakes in the area, including the biggest lake in Latvia by volume – Rāznas Lake and the richest lake by islands – Ežezers, really representing the essence of Latgale region, often called as “the land of blue lakes”. Scenery both, for the mind and for the eyes, is guaranteed all around. That’s all in terms of testing your planning and navigation skills which will be the most important in order to succeed!

August in Latvia and Rāzna National Park is a moderate warm summer month. It is the second warmest month of the year with average temperature between 16–17°C. However, showers and some quite cool August evenings alternate with a warm and sunny weather. After hot month of July and following warm August moderate warm water in dozens of lakes and rivers is suitable for swimming till the first days of September.

Those of you, who enjoy both the rogaining and local attractions, will get unforgettable experience as well, while visiting small and beautiful towns and villages, local potteries, markets and other places of interest. At summer weekends town festivals usually take place with lots  of national activities.
On behalf of the organizing team, I would like to invite each of you to visit Latvia and participate in a thrilling rogaining adventure in the summer of 2017!