Old Town Showdown Marks the Return of Quid Games Events in Edinburgh

Delivered in under two months, the event drew heavily on the commitment of Edinburgh University Orienteering Club (EUOC). Coming straight off their Big Weekend, EUOC volunteers played a central role in shaping and delivering the event. With planning led by QGII champion Euan Tryner and on‑the‑ground coordination from James Hammond, the club’s understanding of the Quid Games ethos helped create an experience tailored to younger and adventure‑focused participants.

Image credits: Nathan Phua.

The event centre was strengthened with support from Silva, ASICS, Gore‑Tex and KitBrix, who provided prizes and delivered test‑and‑try opportunities that added an interactive element to the evening. Working alongside SportsShoes and British Orienteering, these partners helped create a wider experience that celebrated urban exploration and modern outdoor culture.

A deliberately small entry list allowed for strong user‑generated content, supporting British Orienteering’s aim of opening the sport to new eyes through high‑quality digital storytelling. Footage and reels from the event are already reaching audiences beyond the traditional orienteering community.

Image credit: Nathan Phua.

Reflecting on the event, Kay Hawke, Partnerships Manager, said:
“The support from SportsShoes, Kendal Mountain Festival, and our brand partners shows the confidence they now have in the potential of this format. The appetite for orienteering‑style racing is clear, and partners increasingly understand what the sport can offer to wider audiences. EUOC were outstanding, especially during such a busy period, and James, Euan and Ben Mounsey (SportsShoes) were instrumental in bringing the event together.”

Old Town Showdown highlights how targeted, collaborative events can strengthen the sport’s reach and modern appeal. The Quid Games series continues to demonstrate how orienteering can connect with new communities and offer something genuinely fresh to the running and adventure world.

Image credits: Clorroe Photography & Creative Media.