The questions covered here are:

If we haven’t answered your query, feel free to email us and we’ll try to get back to you within 48 hours.

Our email address - thelostsport@gmail.com


Is this for real?

Yes and no. This is a game, not a philosophy, not a role-playing game, and not a hoax. Yes, we really gather to play labyrinth running, and yes, we’d love you to join us. No, we don’t take it po-faced seriously. Yes, we are aware we look silly.

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What is a labyrinth?

A labyrinth is not a maze. A maze is multicursive, it has many tracks, and you can get lost. A labyrinth has only one track that folds in on itself. You can’t get lost in a labyrinth – only disorientated. It is a classical design found in most ancient cultures.
Wikipedia article on labyrinths
The labyrinths we are using are the 3, 5 or 7 circuit ones. We’ve started with 3 circuits (the most simple form), and trying to work our way up to a 7 circuit one.

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What is this labyrinth-running thing?

It is a team game that involves a blindfolded runner trying to make their way out of a classical labyrinth. The rest of the team form the walls and hum to help the runner get a sense of direction. It’s heaps of fun, and gets everyone outside and playing together. There is a global competition to see who can get out of the labyrinth in the fastest time.

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Why are you doing this?

These labyrinth events are part of a much bigger global game. In this game, the fictional characters have asked us real folk to build labyrinths to help save the world. You can check out a bit more about this game at the following places:
- The beginners guide
- The official site (with pretty videos)

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Tell me more about the bigger game…

The labyrinth running is part of a bigger game. The bigger game is part scavenger hunt, part puzzle solving, and part online board game. These types of games are called alternative reality games (see next question).
This game has been organised by Jane McGonigal on behalf of the Olympic committee to help people experience what they call “the Olympic spirit”.
What this means is that they want people from all around the world to experience unity as they work towards a common goal. A truly global community.

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What are alternative reality games?

We'll let the experts answer that!

- A good introduction to alternative reality games
- Wikipedia article about alternative reality games

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Who is this for?

Anyone! Adults, seniors, kids, jocks, geeks, families, workmates, singles, government workers – anyone! Even if you don’t feel you are physically able to take part in the game, you’re welcome to turn up and cheer us on!
There is only one condition on playing this game with us: You must be respectful of the others around you and be willing to follow instructions. This means don’t trip anyone up; don’t be mean to any passer-bys etc. In short, be nice and treat others, as you would like to be treated. If you are going to come along, please see the note below labelled "Please read this".

Link to "please read this"

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Who else is doing this?

This is a truly global game. So far people have planned or run labyrinth training sessions in Ontario, Madrid, San Francisco, Iowa, Brazil, New Jersey, Wellington and the list is growing!

Upcoming global labyrinths, events

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What are you trying to achieve?

We have 4 main goals in this:

  1. We want to get about 100+ people labyrinth training at one time. So invite your friends, family, potential lovers, workmates, strangers, whoever.
  2. We want to put NZ on the map. There are people playing this labyrinth game all around the world. We are unashamedly patriotic and we want us kiwis to kick some global labyrinth ass! Currently we hold the world record for a 3-circuit labyrinth with 1 minute!
  3. We want to create and affirm community. Getting people outside, and having fun with other people is part of a healthy community. We live in very individualistic society; it’s rare to see something that encourages people to work together as a unit – so we jumped at the chance to be a part of it!
  4. To have fun and meet awesome people!

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Please read this:

We record the labyrinth events we organise with video and still cameras. If you don’t want your image to appear in these videos or pictures, that’s fine! Just please let us know, before the end of the event! We will edit you out or blur your face in the images that include you.
On that note, we won’t ever disclose your name, or personal details to anyone online (or offline for that matter) unless you want us to.
Do not use the images or videos from this site without our permission first.

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I’m keen! Where do I sign up?

Great! Email us, or just show up at one of the events.

Our email address - thelostsport@gmail.com

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What happens if it’s raining?

Our default wet weather venue is under the sails in front of the TSB Bank Arena (the venue formally known as the Queen’s Warf Event Centre).

Email us and we'll send you a google map of the location

We will decide whether or not we’ll go ahead with the event, and where by 2 hours before it starts. At that time, we’ll put an update on this blog to let y’all know what’s happening.

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I want to organise my own labyrinth event.

Great! We recommend you get caught up on the wider story first (links below). You’ll find invaluable advice at the following links:
- Instructions for the players
- Forums about drawing and running the labyrinths

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Where do you stand on the Beijing Olympics?

We in no way condone the actions of the Chinese Government towards the Tibetan people. We’re really glad that the 2008 Olympics have brought global attention to the situation.
This game is about the Beijing Olympics. It has been partially financed by the Olympic committee in an attempt to create global unity and celebrate the Olympic spirit.
The Olympic Spirit

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