From the start line to camp

At the start, you and your partner receive a map of your chosen course. Plan your route between checkpoints, finishing the first day at the overnight campsite. You carry everything you need for both days, including your camp equipment.

On day two, a new set of checkpoints takes you back to the event centre. Each year brings a different location, challenging route choices and terrain you may never have explored before.

The people behind the courses

Around 150 volunteers help make the OMM happen. Some have been involved for over 40 years, and many for at least 20.

Each year, almost 100 controls are placed across an event area of around 350 km². Our volunteer hill team covers around 400 km and more than 26,000 m of ascent over five days to place and retrieve them. The planners spend more than 80 days exploring the area and designing the courses.

Looking after the places we visit

An independent ecologist assesses each event area before and after the race and advises the route planners. Ecological reports are made publicly available following each event.

OMM events are recognised by national conservation bodies for responsible event organisation. Independent studies suggest each event brings around £500,000 in additional revenue to the local area. OMM events are run on a not-for-profit basis.