Old Town Showdown: Presented by SportsShoes' Quid Games

Brought to you by the team behind the SportsShoes’ Quid Games, The Old Town Showdown is a fast-thinking, strategy-driven urban orienteering challenge set among the historic streets and closes of Edinburgh’s Old Town.

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This is a running event with a twist. You’ll start with a map and a fixed time limit - but no idea where the checkpoints are until the clock starts. From that moment on, it’s all about making smart decisions: choosing your routes, managing your effort, and deciding which checkpoints are worth the chase. There’s no set course and no single “right” way to race - just your strategy versus the city, and the clock.

And this is Edinburgh in March, so expect proper Scottish weather. As part of the experience, you’ll have the chance to test ASICS GORE-TEX® Invisible Fit Footwear, available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Inspired by the Quid Games, The Old Town Showdown blends running, navigation, and problem-solving into one unforgettable urban race. Whether you’re racing flat-out, playing it tactically, or simply seeing how much ground you can cover, the challenge is the same: collect as many checkpoints as possible before time runs out.

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Delivered by SportsShoes and British Orienteering, with support from GORE-TEX® Brand, ASICS, and Silva, the event also forms part of the Edinburgh visit for the Kendal Mountain UK Tour. Expect a vibrant atmosphere, a truly unique setting, and an event that rewards sharp thinking as much as strong legs.

No prior orienteering experience is needed - just a willingness to think on your feet and take on something a little different. If you enjoy trail running, urban exploration, or racing with a tactical edge, this could be exactly what your training has been missing.

Your route. Your pace. Your strategy.

Welcome to SportsShoes’ Old Town Showdown.

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When and where is this event taking place?

Date: Monday 23rd March 2026

Event HQ: Binks Hall, Greyfriars Charteris Centre, 138-140 Pleasance, Edinburgh, EH8 9RR

Registration: from 6:15pm

Race: 7-8pm

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Can anyone enter?

This event is aimed at all ages and abilities, including anyone without previous orienteering experience.

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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.