Field Journal

Quid Games and the SportsShoes Hub

Kendal won’t know what hit it. SportsShoes is bringing back Quid Games, the mysterious, chaotic orienteering event, in partnership with British Orienteering, that took the trail running scene by storm last year. Beyond the madness, the SportsShoes Hub promises a packed weekend of trail sessions, big-name talks, test events and film premieres.

We don’t really talk about Quid Games. In fact, we have very little information. And that’s the point. At this year’s Kendal Mountain Festival, SportsShoes is hosting Quid Games II, the sequel to the frankly wild Quid Games I last year. If you were there, you’d have probably heard about it. And you will this year, because no doubt you’ll have heard of some of the runners taking part (and no, we’re not saying anything about that either).

So, what is it? Well, it’s an orienteering race, run by SportsShoes and British Orienteering, but this isn’t like anything you’ve ever seen. Throw in the words ‘disruptive’, unpredictable’, and you’ll get an inkling. Experience the madness on Friday, November 12, and what you can expect is chaos and competition. Hundreds of people running the streets and trails of Kendal, hitting up checkpoints and earning points that win serious prizes (really serious prizes) from SportsShoes and the other supporting brands ASICS, Silva, Garmin, Maurten and Red Bull. Oh, and the subtitle of Quid Games II gives a clue to the route as well: Storm the Castle.

It’s one of the highlights of SportsShoes’ formidable, packed presence at the Kendal Mountain Festival. The SportsShoes Hub, situated in a lovely yurt, will bring together an impressive range of events. Ready, deep breath. Speakers include UTMB winner Tom Evans, Holly Stables and Deo Kato. You’ll find guided walks with Haglöfs, Rab and SCARPA test events, and kicking off on Friday morning with a North Face Trail Session, when you can join four of the world’s best ultra runners: Stephanie Case, Elsey Davis, Fernanda Maciel and Josh Wade. And on Saturday morning, there’s a social run with Salomon’s Imo Boddy. There are also film premieres and workshops throughout the weekend.

For full information and exact timings, read here.

There are also some pleasing curveballs, including a talk with artist and designer Brian Cannon, whom Noel Gallagher once described as the sixth member of Oasis, thanks to the inimitable design aesthetic he brought to the band.

Uniquely, the SportsShoes hub brings together a wide range of brands – including Salomon, The North Face, Rab, HOKA, SCARPA, Haglöfs, adidas TERREX, and more – much like the shop itself.

Sidetracked will be there covering many of the talks and events, annoying people with photos and sticking a microphone under the nose of anyone who’ll talk. Come and say hi.

SportsShoes Hub programme at Kendal Mountain Festival

All the latest, up-to-date information and timings can be found at the SportsShoes Hub on site. Here’s a round-up with some loose timings.

Friday, November 21

The North Face Trail Session in partnership with SportsShoes
From 9am, you’ll have the opportunity to join four of the world’s top ultrarunners, The North Face athletes Stephanie Case, Elsey Davis, Fernanda Maciel and Josh Wade, for a social trail run, around 10k, and test the latest VECTIV™ footwear. After the run, join the athletes for inspirational conversations. Get your tickets here.

Orienteering Unlocked: Gear, skills & strategy for the ultimate adventure races
Kicking off the afternoon sessions is this expert workshop, co-organised by British Orienteering, to give you all you need to know about navigational skills in the build-up to the most eagerly anticipated orienteering event of the year, Quid Games 2: Storm the Castle. Get your free tickets here.

Exclusive interview with UTMB™ winner Tom Evans
SportsShoes and ASICS present an exclusive Q&A with a very special guest – 2025 UTMB™ winner Tom Evans. It is your chance to find out more about his training, mindset and preparation and what it’s like to win the world’s biggest trail race. Get your tickets here.

SportsShoes Quid Games Race
It’s the biggie. Registration will take place from 5-6.30pm. The starting pistol is fired at 7pm.

Saturday, November 22

Social Shake Out Run and Breakfast with Salomon’s Imo Boddy
Join the youngest female to run the length of the UK for this relaxed ‘shake-out’ run. Refuel post-run with breakfast and coffee in the SportsShoes Hub. This is about celebrating the power of running to bring people together for mutual support and a love of the outdoors. Refuel with breakfast and coffee in the SportsShoes Hub. Get your tickets here.

The Hidden Race – presented by SportsShoes and HOKA
SportsShoes and HOKA present the premiere of The Hidden Race – an exclusive behind-the-scenes documentary revealing what it’s really like to crew a loved one at one of the biggest trail races in the world. Followed by a live Q&A with the producers and cast.

Winner Gets Cake – presented by SportsShoes and Rab
Winner Gets Cake is a film that follows the journey to the upland, unpredictable terrain of fell running and experiences the chaos, culture, community, and cake that define this very British pursuit. Get your tickets here.

Rab and SCARPA Test Event
Heads up: registration starts at 2.30pm – and we suggest you get here early! Why? This social run is led by Rab and SCARPA athletes and offers the chance to use the latest Rab packs and apparel and SCARPA trail range. Get your tickets here.

SheUltra – A Beautifully Brutal Official Documentary
SheUltra® is the world’s biggest all-women ultra marathon. This documentary captures the power of community, the resilience of women, and the beautifully brutal truth behind every step. Get your tickets here.

Looking for the Bad Times – Holly Stables
Salomon and SportsShoes are excited to present this gripping short documentary featuring ultrarunner Holly Stables as she takes on The Speed Project, a solo 300+ mile run from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. Get your tickets here.

Our Shot – Oliver Denton
Join Salomon and SportsShoes for a Q&A with photographer Oli Denton as he presents the upcoming Salomon TV film behind the scenes of the all-women content team during UTMB®. Get your tickets here.

Salomon x SportsShoes Trail Party
Finish the night the right way at the exclusive Salomon x SportsShoes party. Celebrate, connect, and soak up the energy of a community brought together by adventure, endurance, and the spirit of trail running.

Sunday, November 23

Haglöfs Hike with Komoot
Join SportsShoes, Haglofs and Komoot for a guided hike around Kendal. Try the latest Haglofs apparel and footwear and talk to the experts, before returning to the hub for some Swedish Hospitality. Get your tickets here.

A journey of music and the outdoors with Brian Cannon
Listen to the fascinating journey and love for the outdoors of renowned artist, graphic designer and Lake District local Brian Cannon. The man who Noel Gallagher himself once described as being the sixth member of Oasis. Get your tickets here.

Deo Kato – Steps
Ugandan-British endurance runner and storyteller Deo Kato uses ultra-running as a force for social change. Between 2023–2024, he completed an unprecedented 13,000km run from Cape Town to London, reframing narratives around migration and resilience. Partnership with adidas TERREX. Get your tickets here.

The Great Australian Run with Louis Alexander
From his life-changing first expedition at 19 to holding multiple world records by 25, Louis Alexander has dedicated himself to redefining exploration for the next generation, racing across mountains, jungles, deserts and oceans. Get your tickets here.