The event was the brainchild of Graham Teahan who was a past TOC club member. Teams are made up of members of mixed abilities, and mixed ages. The first event was held at the end of January, 1981.
The comaraderie associated with on-site camping by the event centre is an important part of the competition. There is even a prize for the team which displays the best support throughout the night.
Teams of 7 contest the coveted owl trophy. The relay starts at dusk with a mass start for Juniors (white course), and progresses to harder and longer courses (yellow, orange and red legs). The final leg ("Bloody Murder") is mainly for elite runners.
If the terrain and navigation is fairly easy-going, the course planner may choose to send competitors out using maps with no fences shown on them.
Since 1999 a trophy for 5-person teams has been available. These teams are from clubs who are unable to find a complete team of seven. They compete over the first 5 legs of the main relay. The trophy is called Po Kerukeru.