XO Races 12+

XO Races are new format in adventure racing; think navigation on speed, with a sprinkling of Crystal Maze thrown on top. An invitation to explore your city.

XO Races are intimate events designed to challenge entrants physically and mentally; encouraging teamwork, strategy and exploration. We won't ask you to take 2 weeks away from life, part with huge sums of cash or have built your own canoe out of quinoa; this is accessible and achievable adventure.

Our events are for teams of two people, and we don't do gender or age categories. As long as you're both over 18 years old, you're welcome at an XO Race.

Each XO Race is hosted from a secret Basecamp venue; all you'll know when you register is the first part of the postcode. Full location details are released at 3pm on event day. Events take place on weekday evenings, with a start time not earlier than 6.30pm and a finish time (after post-race drink and presentations) no later than 10pm.

Out on course, there is no specified route; you can choose how you plot your way around the city, with the objective to collect as many points as
possible in the time you have. Each checkpoint is 'collected' by using the XO app to scan a unique QR code at each checkpoint. To really liven things up, we’ll embed both physical and mental challenges at some checkpoints, giving teams the opportunity to earn bonus points.

Teams can monitor their progress live via the in-app leaderboard until 15 minutes prior to your finish time. A countdown timer will carry you back to Basecamp, and there are penalty points waiting if you're late. This way, you'll have a decent idea of how you were fairing, but you have no idea what the teams around you did in the closing stages. Once you've finished we'll shout you a drink at the bar, and run through a quick fire presentation and award some prizes.

This is how your XO journey could play out:

Right Now: Download the XO app, and enter an event.

Fast forward to event day...

3pm:
Basecamp revealed. Get your kit ready. Shave your head for speed. Eat that last cake and convince yourself you're carb-loading. It's almost time...

From 6pm:
Arrive at Basecamp. When you arrive you'll be asked to scan the Arrival code, which will shift the XO App into Race Mode. At this point, the map is revealed, detailing the locations of the checkpoints throughout the city. Retire to a quiet corner to plan your strategy; you've got all the info you need right. Wrong...

6:50pm:
Safety Briefing. It's short. We say stuff. It's important. Don't miss it.

7pm:
Start Window Opens. You have a 30 minute window from this point in which to start. Each team is off their own personal clock, so there is no fixed 'Start Time'. Only once you scan the Start code will the points allocations for the checkpoints be revealed. Strategic changeup...but this time, the clock is ticking.

7.10pm:
Safety Briefing. As above. This covers the same information as the one at 6.50pm. Teams do not need to attend both safety briefings.

7.30pm:
Start Window Closes. The countdown begins for any teams running late. You can still start after the Start Window closes, but you will have less time. Best get a wriggle on.

9.30pm:
Finish Window Closes. Once you return to Basecamp, scan the Finish code to stop the clock and end your XO race. Time for that free drink from the bar...

9.50pm:
Presentations and Wrap Up.

Sounds good right? Download the XO app now, and enter an event.

For further questions about XO Races, please contact us via the app.