Fantastic - thanks for the links and suggestions.

Adventure racing is basically like triathlon, but instead of swimming, road biking and running, there is often kayaking, mountain biking, running, climbing/abseiling - and I have seen events that even include horseback riding and inline skating (not both at the same time!) - and all with a very strong element of orienteering. You also tend to run in teams of three. It is something I have always wanted to do but never been working in a country where it has a following.

I have had a quick look at the orienteering site and will definitely get in touch with the CERN club once we arrive (yes - I am going slightly overboard in all our preparations!). It is something I used to do a while ago and really enjoy - not least because you have a perfect excuse for slowing down in a run!!

If I do find anything on adventure racing I'll post back.
Best,
GVAbound.