In a true enduro timekeeping event, riders leave together in groups of four and each row starts on a certain minute. (Usually 4 riders per row) To be known as "on his/her minute," a rider must arrive at certain locations known as checkpoints along the route a set time, There are different types of checkpoints, start checks, and finish checks, and points are calculated differently depending on how late or early a rider arrives at each type of check. Points are calculated based on the number of minutes that a rider is early or late.

There are also special tests: sections which may be walked only, not ridden, before the event where, during the event, the distance between the 'test-start' and 'test-finish' must be covered as quickly as possible. Electronic timing is used to separate rider’s times by thousandths of a second to determine a result in the case of a tie. This is the part of the course that often attracts most spectators. Other spectator points are usually 'bog-holes' or awkward and difficult stream and river crossings out on the 'open' part of the course.