Picture the scene. You are stood shivering in the middle of nowhere, hunched over a mud-splattered map, trying desperately to find a nondescript checkpoint in the surrounding bog land. All you can see is mist. The rain is coming down hard, and the only other sound you can hear is that of your own ragged breathing and pounding heart. You are tired, aching, thirsty and hungry, and the only thing you know for certain is that you’ve got a long way to go until the finish.
It has to be said that Mountain Marathons are not everyone’s cup of tea. However, in terms of adrenaline, adventure and a unique sense of freedom, you would be hard pushed to find a more thrilling sport. Across the country, thousands of fell-runners take part in Mountain Marathons every year, pushing their bodies to the absolute limit while exploring some of the UK’s most beautiful mountain regions. There are a number of Mountain Marathon events held throughout the year – here are just a few of the biggest and best-known races.
Mountain Marathons in the UK – The OMM
The Original Mountain Marathon, or The OMM, is a two-day event that involves racing through the mountains in teams of two, navigating without the outside aid of devices like a GPS and being entirely self-sufficient for the duration of the race. Teams are expected to carry enough food and equipment for two days of running and an overnight stay at a campsite where nothing but water is provided. Originally known as the KIMM (Karrimor International Mountain Marathon), this world-renowned event is one of the most popular and widespread of its kind, playing host to competitors from across the UK and overseas. The OMM has a total of seven categories, ranging in difficulty from C (roughly two half-marathons over two days) to Elite (two full-marathons over two days).
Mountain Marathons in the UK – The SLMM
Held in the summer, The Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon is often considered to be slightly less harsh than The OMM; with the slightly shorter courses and brighter weather conditions, it would be a good starting point for competitors with less fell-running experience. The SLMM is a two-day race held annually in the Lake District with a total of eight different categories, ranging from the challenging Scafell Class to the less taxing Wansfell Class. Like The OMM, the majority of the courses are for teams of two, although there is also a very tough course for solo competitors. There is also something for hikers; the Bedafell Class is held over the same course as the Wansfell Class, but it a walking-only event.
Mountain Marathons in the UK – The LAMM
Dubbed ‘The Connoisseurs Mountain Marathon’, The Lower Alpine Mountain Marathon sees competitors racing in well-hidden locations across the Scottish Highlands. The LAMM is a more recently established and smaller Mountain Marathon than The OMM, but places a similar emphasis on orienteering skills, self-sufficiency and teamwork. Like The SLMM it is held in the summer, but the mid-camp location is usually just as remote as that of The OMM, meaning fell-runners must think carefully about what food and equipment to carry on the two-day race. Like most Mountain Marathons, competitors must find a balance between having enough to sustain them overnight and carrying a light enough load to maintain a steady running pace.
For advice on how to prepare for a Mountain Marathon, see: Mountain Marathons – Training and Preparation
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