O-Games: Twin-it 2 Win-it Presented by SportsShoes

Think fast. Run smart. Play the game.

After bringing O-Games (formerly Quid Games) to Kendal Mountain Festival for the first time in 2025, SportsShoes is back. But this year, there's a new name and a new challenge!

In partnership with British Orienteering, O-Games takes the traditional orienteering format and gives it a competitive twist. It's a unique race where speed, strategy and navigation combine in a fast-paced challenge.

Whether you're an experienced orienteer, a trail runner looking for something different or completely new to navigation, O-Games is your chance to get involved.

Here's everything you need to know before taking on the challenge.

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What is O-Games: Twin-It 2 Win-It?

We've shaken things up this year. While previous Quid Games events gave you the chance to take on the challenge alongside a friend, Twin It 2 Win It takes teamwork to another level. For the first time, you'll be competing as a team of two in a 60-minute challenge, with both runners' performances combining to determine your overall score.

Here's where it gets interesting.

Each pair is split across two different courses, A and B, with 20 checkpoints distributed between them. Most checkpoints are worth 10 points, while two high-value bonus checkpoints are worth 50 points each.

You'll have 60 minutes to collect as many points as possible, deciding which checkpoints to target, when to meet your partner and when to swap maps.

The objective? Combine your individual scores, outsmart the other teams and get back before the clock runs out. The highest-scoring pairs in each category win, with the fastest time deciding the result where scores are tied. Return late, however, and you'll lose valuable points.

How does the O-Games Twin-It 2 Win-It race work?

This is a pairs event, but you won't be running side by side.

At the start, one partner takes Course A while the other takes Course B. Both runners start at 7pm and head out independently to find their allocated checkpoints. Partway through the race, you'll have the opportunity to meet and exchange maps with your partner.

Each course contains different checkpoints, with points and prizes up for grabs.

You'll need to decide which checkpoints are worth targeting, how many you can realistically reach and how to make the most of your 60 minutes.

The checkpoints

Your 60-minute countdown starts automatically when the event begins.

There are 20 checkpoints across the two courses:

• 18 checkpoints are worth 10 points each.

• Two bonus checkpoints are worth 50 points each.

You can visit checkpoints in any order, giving you the freedom to create your own route and race strategy.

However, there's one important rule: checkpoint number 20, located near the start and finish, must be your final checkpoint before finishing. Once you've visited it, head to the finish and punch in to stop your time.

Using your SI timing card

When you register, you'll receive an SI timing card to carry with you throughout the race. To score points, simply place your SI card into the box at each checkpoint. It will beep to confirm your visit and register your points. Remember to punch the finish at the end to stop your time!

The map exchange: where and when?

One of the most interesting parts of O-Games: Twin It 2 Win It is the opportunity to swap courses with your partner.

The Map Exchange Area will be marked on both maps. You can meet here at any point during the race to exchange maps.

Once you've found each other, swap maps and head out to collect checkpoints on the alternate course.

Timing is everything. You'll need to communicate, plan ahead and keep an eye on the clock.

Map exchange area rules

The map exchange area has its own checkpoint, which you must check in at on your way in. Once you've checked in, follow the coloured chevrons on the ground to the exchange box.

• Yellow chevrons: You're the first partner to arrive, so wait in the exchange box.

• Green chevrons: Your partner is already waiting for you. Find them in the box, exchange maps and start your second course!

Important: You do not visit the checkpoint again on your way out.

What happens if you arrive back late?

You have 60 minutes to collect as many points as possible, but don't get carried away!

For every minute you're late, your team loses 10 points per person late.

That means even the highest-scoring teams could throw away their advantage by getting their timing wrong.

It's not just about finding checkpoints – knowing when to head back is just as important.

What are the prizes?

There's plenty more than bragging rights up for grabs at O-Games!

Competitors will have the opportunity to collect individual checkpoint prizes, alongside the overall category prizes.

Checkpoint prizes

Some checkpoints will have medals hanging from them. If you're the first person to reach one and spot a medal, grab it!

The medal colours indicate the prize category:

• Blue – Male

• Pink – Female

• Grey – Pairs

Pairs prizes are worth 50% less than the individual male and female prizes, but both partners receive a prize.

Spot prizes and sponsor rewards

There are also some fantastic prizes from our event sponsors, including:

• £200 SportsShoes voucher

• Suunto watches for male and female winners

• ASICS head-to-toe kit and a Fastest Run In prize

• SunGod glasses

• A year's supply of Tenzing

• YETI and Jimmy's bundles

• SILVA spot prize

Look out for additional spot prizes too! Grab a numbered coaster or keyring, with winners drawn at prizegiving.

Overall category winners will also receive a fantastic selection of prizes from our sponsors.

Where and when is O-Games?

O-Games takes place at Kendal Mountain Festival, with the SportsShoes Yurt at KMF Basecamp acting as the event hub.

Here's the schedule for the evening:

• 5:30pm: Event centre opens

• 6:45pm: Mandatory race briefing

• 7:00pm: Race start

• 8:00pm: Food, drinks and DJ

• 8:30pm: Prizegiving

Location: Kendal Mountain Festival Basecamp, Kendal, LA9 5AL.

Make sure you arrive in plenty of time. All competitors must attend the 6:45pm race briefing with their race bib, SI timing card and race partner.

What do you need to bring?

You don't need loads of specialist equipment to take part in O-Games.

The essential equipment you'll need is:

• SI timing card (provided when you register at the SportsShoes Yurt at Basecamp)

• Suitable footwear

• Your usual running gear

Course terrain

The course is approximately 80% urban and 20% terrain, so expect a mixture of roads, paths and other surfaces as you navigate your way around Kendal.

O-Games: Important safety information

With the event taking place through Kendal, it's important to remember that you'll be sharing the area with festival visitors, pedestrians and traffic.

Please keep the following safety instructions in mind:

• Be aware of festival crowds and traffic, slowing down when necessary.

• Always give way to traffic and use the designated crossing points on busy roads.

• Do not enter out-of-bounds areas marked in olive green or purple hatching on your map.

• Do not cross walls or fences.

• Follow any one-way systems when entering buildings, with marshals on hand to help.

• First aid will be available at the start/event centre.

• An emergency contact number will be provided on your map.

• Always return to download, even if you retire from the race.

Please note that non-members of British Orienteering are not covered by British Orienteering's public liability insurance. By entering, participants acknowledge that they take part at their own risk.

Ready to play the game?

O-Games is about much more than running fast. It's about thinking on your feet, making smart decisions and working together to get the best possible result.

You might be an experienced navigator, a competitive runner or simply someone looking to try something completely different at Kendal Mountain Festival. Either way, there's a challenge waiting for you.

So, plan your strategy, trust your partner and keep an eye on the clock.

Let the O-Games begin!

SportsShoes is committed to organising the most exciting and unique races, whether it's on the track, road or trail. Keen to find out more? Then check out our Races category for more information about events, latest news and results. Because it's no fun standing still.