COMPETITION RULES AND CONDUCT

In order to conduct the competition on a fair and equal basis for all participants, and ensure safety, it is necessary to apply rules governing a competitor’s conduct, clothing and equipment. These rules, which are set out below will be STRINGENTLY enforced.  Anyone found to be in breach of these rules will be automatically disqualified from the current event and may be banned from future events.

1. THE GOLDEN RULE  –  once registered, competitors must report to the Event Centre to return their timing tag by 16:30 hours on the Sunday whether they have completed the course or not.  Without it the team is deemed missing and will be searched for!  Please note that if you fail to return the tag and tracker before leaving the event area you may be liable for any rescue costs incurred.
2. Age Limits – Elite Class, all competitors must be 18 years old on the date of the competition and at least one of each team must be a minimum of 20 years of age. In other classes A,B and Score courses, all competitors must be a minimum of 16 years on the day of the competition and at least one of each team must be aged 18 years or older.
3. Previous Winners – Winning teams in each class are not eligible to compete competitively in the same class in future years (this excludes Long Score and Elite).
4. Previous Experience – A minimum amount of Mountain Experience, navigation and outdoor skills are essential and details of previous experience must be provided on the entry form.  
5. Staying Together – The event is for teams of two or three (see rule 6) and teams must maintain contact (close enough to communicate by voice) throughout the competition. Both team members must visit the control sites together carrying all their equipment. i.e. the team must be in possession of both rucksacks at all times. If one member of the team cannot continue the whole team is retired – The only exception is in the case of an emergency, when competitors must exercise their own mountain judgement as to the appropriate action to take, including but not limited to leaving a partner in a warm safe environment to seek help from others.  The map provides an emergency telephone number and mobile coverage is available in most of the higher areas.
6. Teams of Three. Teams of three can also compete in the OMM, this allows those that are keen to compete but do not have a team mate to enter in line with our ethos of encouraging as many people as possible to get out and responsibly use our wild spaces. For safety reasons all team members must use one tent on Saturday night ensuring no one is left alone.  Contact emma@theomm.com to add a third team member.
7. Out of Bounds (OOB) – OOB areas and compulsory crossing points are marked on the competition map and must be respected.
8. Equipment – Teams must carry or wear all the equipment and clothing on the official kit list. This is the absolute minimum for safety and survival. You will be asked to complete an online kit check and safety declaration before arriving at the Event. 
9. Kit Inspection – Competitors must permit the examination of their equipment by race officials at all times.
10. Emergency Rations – On completion of the course all competitors must still be in possession of sufficient rations for an emergency.
11. Start Times/Course Closure Time – Start times for both days will be shown on the event details and Saturday and Sunday course will be shown on the map and must be clearly adhered to. Teams failing to finish within the course times may be disqualified or (if on Saturday) may be allowed to continue but marked as ‘Timed Out’ at the Organiser’s discretion.
12. Timing Tag and Trackers – Sport Ident timing cards and trackers are issued to each team at registration (attached to the wrist).  Competitors will be charged the cost of replacement (currently £30.00 for timing card) for any loss or damage to these.
13. Courses – Competitors must not seek to obtain unfair advantage by searching for courses or inspecting the competition area before the event.
14. GPS/Mobile phones – You are to to carry a mobile phone (fully charged at the start) for use in an emergency.   These or any GPS device (including watches) may be carried BUT must not be used for navigation.  An altimeter can be used but please note: we may remove the height data from the maps.   Any team found using their mobile phone or other electronic device for communication or navigation purposes, except in the case of emergency, will be disqualified from the event.  This includes at the overnight campsite.  We rely on the integrity of our competitors to follow this rule. (unless we remove all electronic devices from every competitor there is no other way for us to enforce this).
15. Conduct – Competitors who, in the opinion of the organisers, act in such a way to bring the event into disrepute or unnecessarily endanger other competitors or race officials will be disqualified and may be banned from future events.
16. Dogs – No dogs are permitted in the competition area.
17. Fires – No open fires permitted anywhere on the course or at the Overnight campsite.
18. Noise – At the mid-way campsite, no unnecessary noise after 22:00hrs.
19. Illegal drugs – Illegal drug use will not be tolerated at the OMM.  Do not bring and/or take drugs.  Any drug use will be reported to the police.
20. U18s –Must be accompanied by a suitable and responsible adult guardian.  The guardian is responsible for the welfare of the child.

ENTRY DEADLINE

Entries have now closed.   

AMENDMENTS TO YOUR ENTRY

‚Changes to team members can be made right up until the Event.   Please complete this online amendment form.  Please note that at this point new team members must also complete online registration (link in ‚registration‘ section below).

Changes to your Course can now only be made when you arrive at Registration (if space allows).

CANCELLATION OR DEFERMENT OF ENTRIES

For any cancellations received up to  3 months before the event (31 Jul 23), a refund (-10% admin fee) can be made by emailing emma@theomm.com.  After this date we cannot offer a refund as we have already paid for your attendance.  The event is run on a not for profit basis and one of the ways of keeping the costs as low as possible is to agree numbers as far in advance of the event as possible, hence why it becomes more expensive to enter as we get closer to the event.  For these reasons we are also unable to defer entries to future events.

REGISTRATION LOCATION:

Registration will take place between 3pm-10:30pm on Fri and 6-9am on Sat at

Bethesda Cricket and Bowling Club,
Parc Villa, Lon Newydd,
Bethesda LL57 3DT

This year Registration is at a different location to the Event HQ.  When you arrive in the area all competitors & vehicles should head to Registration at the Cricket Club (see ‘Registration’ section for more info).  

ROUTE TO EVENT HQ:

Once you have registered at the Bethesda Cricket Club you will be asked to follow a specific signposted route to the Event HQ where you will find parking, Friday night camping, food & bar and the OMM shop.   Even if your team mate has registered for you, you must still drive to the Cricket Club where you will be directed by our marshals to the Event Centre location.

The route to the Event HQ is on narrow single-track roads through the village ending in a farm track (approx. 10-15 mins drive).  To ensure the minimum of disruption to local traffic please follow the instructions of the volunteer marshals.  You may be asked to wait in your car (for a few minutes only) before heading to the Event HQ to ensure smooth traffic flow.

STAYING LOCALLY ON FRIDAY NIGHT? 

Please come and register on Friday to save yourself time on Saturday morning.  Once you have registered, you’re free to head to your comfy bed!  Due to the single-track road to the Event HQ, it will not be possible for you to drive to the Event HQ on Friday night as we will be operating a one-way only traffic system.   On Saturday morning please head back to the Cricket Club and follow the instructions of the Marshals to get to the Event HQ.  We ask that you do not use any other route through the village.  

PARKING: 

Parking is on grass and is accessible only along a single-track road/farm track, because of this we can only allow vehicles with a MAXIMUM length of 5.5m and width of 2m.  The route to parking is not suitable for vehicles with a low ground clearance and please make sure you know how to reverse your vehicle!     Once parked, you will not be able to move any vehicle until after the starts on Saturday (unless in an emergency situation). This is due to the one-way traffic system we will have in place on the narrow road/track

As parking space is limited and to ensure minimum disruption to the local community, we need to reduce the number of vehicles arriving at the event and ask for your assistance to achieve this.  

Please use car sharing wherever possible – you can offer and search for carshare via the OMM Competitors Facebook Group.

Parking is free if you arrive with a minimum of 2 people per vehicle.  Vehicles arriving with only a driver will be charged £5.00.  

ARRIVING VIA PUBLIC TRANSPORT, TAXI OR BEING DROPPED OFF?

Head to registration at the Cricket Club when you arrive in the area and we will arrange a lift for you to the Event HQ.  It is not possible for you to be dropped off at the Event HQ due to the one-way traffic system we will have in place.   If you are registering and then staying locally on Friday night, please head back to the Cricket Club on Saturday morning for a lift to the Event HQ/Start location

On Sunday, please arrange for any pick-ups to be from the Cricket Club, we’ll coordinate lifts back to this location from the finish/event HQ.

Nearest Airports – Manchester and Liverpool.

Nearest Train Station – Bangor, Gwynedd.   More timetable information here.   Onward travel to Registration by bus (see below – 10 min walk) or taxi (approx 15 min drive).

Local Bus Service – 67/67C from Bangor Bus Station stops close to registration at the Cricket Club in Bethesda.  

Local Taxis – Martyn’s Taxi’s 01248 605595, A1 Cars 01248 602111, Twix Taxi 01248 730730

Car Share – Please join the OMM Competitors Facebook page to offer or search for a car share.

FRIDAY CAMPING.   This is free, no need to book.   Camping will be near to the Event HQ where you will find water and portaloos .   Want to camp Sunday night? contact emma@theomm.com.

CAMPERVANS/MOTORHOMES.  Due to the access road to the Event HQ maximum vehicle size is 5.5m in length x 2m in width.   DO NOT bring a vehicle larger than this – you will not be allowed access to the site.  Campervans will be parked in a separate field approx 400m from the Event HQ marquee for this reason the should be self contained (i.e. with toilet facilities).

ACCOMMODATION.  If you’d like a luxury nights sleep before and after the OMM there are several local accommodation options for Friday and/or Sunday night.

This year registration will be at Bethesda Cricket Club, a separate location to the Event Centre. Food and drink will not be available at this location.  IT IS VERY IMPORTANT to read ‚How to get to the event and vehicle parking‘

Desks open from 15:00 to 22:30 on Friday and from 06:00 to approx 09:00 on Saturday.

Registering Sat am? Leave plenty of time to register, get to the /Event Centre parking location and walk to the start.  A minimum of 90mins.   Start times and link to online registration were emailed to all competitors on 13 Oct 23.

• Queries Desk.   For any last minute changes to your team.
• Timing Tag and Safety Tracker Collection Desks.  You must have completed online registration BEFORE arriving at the event. 1 team member wears the timing tag, the other carries the tracker on their shoulder strap (remember to bring rucksack).   One team member can register for both but you will need the bag of the second team member.   
• Kit Check.  These are not carried out at registration but can take place at any point during the event.

  ALL PRE-ORDERED EVENT MERCHANDISE AND KIT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION AT REGISTRATION or on Sunday at the OMM shop in the Event HQ marquee

  At Event Centre Marquee:
  

• Baggage Drop.   Travelled by public transport?  We can store your baggage.
• Car Key Drop-off.  Keys can be drop will be found at the main marquee on Saturday morning or at the start line.
• OMM Shop.  For any last minute kit or a treat when you finish.

  [We will do our utmost to look after your keys and baggage but cannot not be held responsible for any loss or damage]

6 courses in total – 3 Score (points based competition – more info below) and 3 linear (time based competition- more info below).

Previous Experience.  We do not set specific previous experience for each course, please read the advice below and ensure you fully  complete the ‘previous experience’ section on your entry form.  We may contact you to discuss your choice of course if we have safety concerns.

Maps.

We use 1:40000 Harvey Maps.  The map is printed on polypropylene synthetic paper that is waterproof, tear resistant, easily folded and 100% recyclable.

At the start line you will collect the map for your course (a new one each day) which will show all checkpoint locations.  The legend lists the checkpoint codes, grid ref, description, score course points and control closing times.   It is very important that you read all this information.  

Age Limits.  For the Elite course, all competitors must be 18 years old on the date of the competition and at least one of each team must be a minimum of 20 years of age. In other classes (A,B and Score courses), all competitors must be 16 years on the day of the competition and at least one of each team must be aged 18 years or older.

READ THIS BEFORE DECIDING ON YOUR COURSE.

Distance/ascent quoted below are based on example routes and are a guide only.   It is impossible to give an exact distance/ascent for courses as each team chooses the route they take between checkpoints – the details shown are based on example routes and are a guide only.  Terrain, weather, vegetation (and numerous other factors) change every year, accordingly so does the courses.

Take the terrain into consideration when choosing your course (rarely a path in sight, tussocks, bogs and anything else that will slow down your progress from your normal speed).

We plan each course based on the expected average finishing time of the top 5 teams and using the ratio of 100m vertical gain is equivalent to 1km flat distance e.g. 85km distance/4000m of ascent is the same as 95km/3000m of ascent.  Courses are split 55% of the distance on Day 1 and 45 % on Day 2.

SCORE COURSES

Time based competition.  Competitors choose which checkpoints to visit and the route between them within the time allowed, each checkpoint is worth different points dependent on its location/difficulty.  The score courses are the best option for those who want the flexibility of being able to choose the distances that they cover and a wider range of navigational choices.  We recommend a score course if this is your first OMM.  These courses are as physically challenging as you choose to make it as you do not have to stay out on the hill for the whole time allowance.  Points are deducted for finishing outside your allocated time limit at a rate of 2 points per minute (or part of minute). These courses can be easier to complete than a line course but very difficult to do well competitively due to the increased amount of planning required.

LONG SCORE

Day 1: 7 hours. Example map
Day 2: 6 hours. Example map

Time limit of 7 hours on day 1 and 6 hours on day 2, significant hill experience and fitness is required.

MEDIUM SCORE

Day 1: 6 hours. Example map
Day 2: 5 hours. Example map

Time limit of 6 hours on day 1 and 5 hours on day 2, to be competitive significant hill experience and fitness is required.

SHORT SCORE

Day 1: 5 hours. Example map
Day 2: 4 hours. Example map

Time limit of 5 hours on day 1 and 4 hours on day 2.  This is the course we’d recommend for 1st time competitors or those wishing to take a more relaxed approach to the competition.  You will still need to be able to read a map and use a compass.

LINEAR (LINE) COURSES

Linear are timed navigation courses where specified checkpoints must be visited in order. Teams are free to choose their routes between checkpoints.  Fastest time wins.

ELITE COURSE 

Day 1: 47km (straight line distance) / 2200m. Example map
Day 2: 38km (straight line distance) / 1800m. Example map

Example route data as a guide only.   Winning times (Sat/Sun combined) usually around 12hrs. It is advisable to have significant previous race experience at a suitable level, e.g. the A Course or Long Score before entering this class.

A COURSE

Day 1: 36km (straight line distance) / 1650m. Example map
Day 2: 29km (straight line distance) / 1350m. Example map

Example route data as a guide only.  The winning time (Sat/Sun combined) is usually in the region of 11 hours. In order to compete on this course we strongly recommend previous race experience on the B Course or a similar event.

B COURSE

Day 1: 25km (straight line distance)/ 1100m. Example map
Day 2: 20km (straight line distance) / 900m. Example map

Example route data as a guide only.  The winning time is usually around 8 hours. Some previous experience required in navigation and mountain terrain with a good level of fitness.  We recommend the Short Score rather than this course for those that are new to the OMM as it gives you more flexibility with the distance and time you spend on the hill each day.

Still unsure which course to enter? Contact emma@theomm.com and ask for advice.

CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT CHECKS

Random kit checks may take place at any time during the weekend.   You do not need to bring your kit to registration (just 1 rucksack so that the tracker can be attached).

OMM MANDATORY EQUIPMENT LIST

Each individual and team is responsible for being properly equipped for two days unsupported racing in exposed terrain at the end of October.

This list should be seen as a minimum requirement only. Check the weather forecast and use your previous experience and sound judgement to decide the kit you should be wearing and carrying. The organisers reserve the right to disqualify any competitors who, in their opinion, do not have the necessary kit to survive in an emergency situation. Cotton clothing is not suitable.  

EACH COMPETITOR MUST WEAR OR CARRY THE FOLLOWING:

• Taped seams waterproof jacket with hood
• Taped seams waterproof trousers
• Clothing suitable for mountain running and walking
• Warm layer top.
• Hat (not a buff), Gloves & socks
• Footwear suitable for fell and trail use
• Head torch capable of giving useable light for a
  minimum of 12 hours
• Whistle & compass
• Map (as supplied)
• Insulated sleeping system
• First aid equipment
• Survival bag (not a sheet)
• Rucksack
• Emergency rations (should still have at the finish line)
• Water carrying capability
• Pen/pencil for map marking (waterproof paper) in wet conditions
• Fully charged mobile phone

Spare warm kit and insulated sleeping system must be waterproofed (i.e. in a drybag)

EACH TEAM MUST CARRY THE FOLLOWING AT ALL TIMES:

• Cooking equipment including stove with sufficient fuel for duration of the race, plus some spare for emergency use, left at the end of the event
• Tent with sewn in groundsheet
• Food for 36 hours for two (or three) people

Be aware that there will be no skip at the overnight campsite! The race is self-sufficient so you need to carry any rubbish with you back to the finish on Sunday.   No rubbish at kit check? We will be asking why!

Not sure if you’re ready to take on the OMM or would like to brush up on your skills?

Look no further:

• OMM Explained – navigation techniques, packing your bag, winter running and much more in a bite sized video format.
• Learn some new skills on a course from one of our OMM Approved Training Providers
• Brush up on your mountain safety – Articles on river crossings, hyperthermia, calling in a Mountain Rescue Team and more can be found in the ‚Action in an Emergency‘ Section

Still not sure you’re ready for the October OMM?

Take a look the OMM Lite 1-2 Jun 24 (entries opening soon), the perfect introduction to the Mountain Marathon format and another great weekend in the hills!

START TIMES

Start times emailed approx. 2 weeks prior to the event.

Category teams (female, vets, mixed and family teams) are given priority for early starts. Then by date of entry.

Sport Ident timing tags

This is attached loosely to your wrist at registration and must remain attached all weekend.  You will quickly get used to having the tag on and will hardly notice having it on overnight. If you lose, break or take a tag home with you the charge for its replacement is currently £30.00  The use of your own timing tag is not allowed.

DAY 1 – START

Location.

Approx 1km from Even HQ marquee, route will be signposted.  Please ensure that you leave enough time to get to the start.   

Start Times Day 1

From 08:00 hours for all courses except Short Score (09:00 hours).

The start line

Wait close to the start line until your allocated start time window, when you will be called forward.  Your race time will not start until you punch your timing tag in the start box.  If you are late you will have to be fitted in at the next available slot, which may be some time.

Maps.

We use 1:40000 Harvey Maps.  The map is printed on polypropylene synthetic paper that is waterproof, tear resistant, easily folded and 100% recyclable.

At the start line you will collect the map for your course (a new one each day) which will show all checkpoint locations.  The legend lists the checkpoint codes, grid ref, description, score course points and control closing times.   It is very important that you read all this information.

To ensure the start area does not get congested you must move away from the start before beginning your route planning.

ACTION AT EACH CHECKPOINT

Each checkpoint has an orienteering kite and a Control box showing the two letter code from the map.  Insert your timing tag in the box to register your visit.  The control box gives an audible bleep and a visual flash to confirm that the dibbing has been successful.  Some controls will have 2 or 3 stations available to avoid queues – you can punch at any station at a given control point. 

Some controls will be manned by race officials who will ask for your team number and course.  Do not use checkpoints as resting places as this shows approaching teams where the checkpoints are.

DAY 1 FINISH.  

Both members of a team must finish together – failure to finish as a team will lead to disqualification.  Take care to visit the last controls on both days. This is a common mistake leading to disqualification.

Immediately after finishing on Day 1, follow the taped route to the download stations where you will dip your timing tag and be given a printout showing the controls visited, with points and split times.  Keep your timing tag on for Day 2.

All competitors wishing to start on Day 2 must:

• Finish Day 1 together, (for linear courses – having correctly completed the Day 1 course) by 20:00 hours.
• Have camped in the official campsite overnight.
• Not broken any of the competition rules.

Ad hoc teams of Day 1 finishers may be allowed to start on Day 2 as Non Competitive at the discretion of the organisers.

Retirees

Anyone retiring at the overnight campsite must make their own way back to the Event Centre. Transport is not provided except in the case of serious injury. Teams who retire on the first day without reaching the overnight camp will be presumed to have independently camped for the night, these teams should wherever possible inform the Event HQ of this fact by mobile phone or via another team or marshal.

Kit Checks

Spot checks on equipment may be carried out at the overnight camps.

SATURDAY EVENING CAMPSITE

Results will be available at the Midcamp via local Wifi, which will be available in the area around the Download.  You will be allowed to use your phones at the midcamp to scan the QR Code on your splits print and view the results.  See the instructions on the splits print.  The Wifi will not allow you to go online.  For those who don’t have a web enabled phone, old style paper results will be refreshed occasionally

Only the official campsite toilets should be used and you must take all rubbish with you –  there will not be a skip.   If you have no rubbish and are kit checked at the finish we will want to know why!

As a precaution we advise you to boil all water.

The overnight campsite is out of bounds to everyone other than competitors and race officials.

DAY 2 START (SUNDAY)

Your day two start time may change if you finish late on Day 1 or are included in the seeded starts.

Day 1 Late Finishers

Teams finishing after 18:00 on day 1 will be re-allocated to a start window of 07:00 – 07:15

Seeded Start Times

There will be a seeded start between 07:00 – 07:30 for the leading finishers in each category on day 1 for all courses other than the Short Score which will have a seeded start from 08:00 – 08:30.  

The start times of the teams in the seeded start and will be displayed at the campsite on Saturday evening as soon as possible after 18:30.  

REMEMBER to check the board on Saturday evening to see if you are in the seeded start or have been reallocated an earlier start time. You might have done better than you think!

DAY 2 – THE FINISH

The finish location will be shown on competitor’s maps.  Pairs must finish together. Failure to finish as a team will lead to disqualification.

Water and hot juice at the finish line, then you will be directed to download your tag and receive a results printout.  Your tag and team tracker will be removed and you will be guided to catering for your hot meal.   Show your results print out to collect your free meal.  a

Kit Checks: Spot checks on equipment may be carried out at the finish.

CONTROL AND COURSE CLOSING

All courses will close at 16:00 on Day 2; if you arrive back after this time you will be timed out.

Controls may close before 1600. Control closing time will be displayed on the control description sheet. 

SAFETY

The tag has your team number printed on it and is an important safety check to tell who is still out on the course alongside your tracker.

Tags and trackers MUST be returned to the event centre by 16:30 hours on the Sunday before you leave the competition area: Missing tag = Missing team = Search party.

[Remember you are completely self sufficient for food/drink from your start on Saturday to the finish on Sunday other than water at the overnight campsite which should be boiled as a precaution.] 

FOOD.  A great selection of hot food will be available on Friday night and Saturday morning from the team at Amaze Hotels, Here’s the MENU!   No need to pre-book for food, cash or card payment accepted.

Every competitor receives a hot meal and drink at the finish on Sunday.

If you have a serious allergy or concern please mention this in the allergies section of the online registration form.  

BAR.  A selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available on Friday, Sat morning and Sunday.   CARD/CONTACTLESS PAYMENT ONLY FOR THE BAR PLEASE

DOING OUR PART FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

Events can be heavy on single use items like plates & cups. Our goal is to reduce the environmental impact of the OMM event as much as possible. We need your help to do this….

RECYCLING
As with all our events, we will be using a specialist waste management firm to collect, sort and recycle all the waste from the event. They work to keep as much, if not all, of the waste collected, out of landfill plus do all the sorting off site, meaning we don’t have to worry about sorting it at the event!

DEPOSIT SCHEME
We will once again be using a deposit scheme for pint pots at the bar and for hot drinks. A £1.50 deposit gets you a reusable OMM pint pot/beaker that you can then either return when you’re finished or else keep as a memento! This will drastically reduce our plastic use and hopefully set the standard for future events.

USE YOUR OWN MUG
You are free to use your own mug for hot drinks at the Event HQ, we will have cups available but we hope by using your own mugs, we can reduce waste further. Keep your mug handy at the finish on Sunday for squash and water!
Note: You are unable to use your own mugs for beer.

ACTION IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION

ONLY when you require URGENT OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE:

• IF YOU HAVE A MOBILE PHONE SIGNAL:
  • Call 999 (ask for Police and then Mountain Rescue).   Then call Event HQ emergency number (on map)
  • Press emergency SOS button on tracker (large square button on front – hold for 3 secs – will vibrate).  Do this whether or not you have a mobile signal.   Ensure all team mobile phones are turned on.
  • Stabilise casualty and ensure they warm/under cover and press tracker SOS button.
• NO MOBILE PHONE SIGNAL:
  • If no other option uninjured team member should leave to get help TAKING TRACKER WITH THEM (as soon as there is a mobile signal the tracker will send the casualty location and continue to send the location of the tracker itself).

MINOR ACCIDENT/INJURY/SITUATION

• Call Event HQ emergency number on map for assistance.

PERSONAL SAFETY

• Retiring – you must inform Event HQ in person (wherever possible) or by phone.  Do not contact the emergency services unless in a genuine 999 situation.
• You should give assistance to other injured competitors – inform event HQ on your return and we will adjust your finish time if necessary.
• Never allow the pressure of competition to override your judgement.  The decision to start the event is yours and the decision to pull out must be yours. Do not press on beyond the point where one team member is beginning to suffer from exhaustion or the first signs of exposure.  Do not go for too long without eating, particularly later in the day as you begin to tire. Always wear sufficient clothing and waterproofs to keep warm and dry.  
• If unable to reach the overnight campsite, find a suitable site and camp independently for the night. IN THIS SITUATION WHEREVER POSSIBLE YOU SHOULD call the Event HQ Emergency number, the nearest marshal or let another team know you will be staying on the hill.
• Be sure to use the Buddy system to check each other for temperature related medical conditions.
• Finish and download of timing card/tag – It is your responsibility to get back to the finish line on each day and download your timing card to let the event organisers know you are safe.   If you have not checked in by 16:30hrs on Sunday, a search by the relevant emergency services will be instigated.

Please read on for some useful articles on safety in the mountains:

999 by Text – Register for this important service before the OMM.  It allows you to contact 999 by text – very important when you may only have a week phone signal that does not allow for clear speech.  You must register BEFORE you need to use the service – it’s quick and easy.  Click here

Guide to calling in the Mountain Rescue

First on the Scene of an Accident? – a useful guide from the FRA

Hypothermia – How to avoid it and what to do if you get it

River Crossings – Top tips from the BMC if a river crossing is unavoidable

Ticks and Lymes Disease – All you need to know about Ticks the little blighters!

Taking Care Around Cows – Just in case you encounter cattle or other livestock

Key dates and times for the OMM

On the Friday

• 15:00 Registration and parking opens
• 17:00 Hot Food available 
• 21:00 Catering closes
• 22:00 Bar closes
• 22:30 Registration closes

On Saturday, Race Day 1

• 06:00 Registration opens
• 06:00 Catering opens
• 08:00 All starts open (except short score)*
• 09:00 Short score start opens*

On Sunday, Race Day 2

• Start times from 0700*
• 11:00 Competitor meal available
• 12:00 Bar open
• 14:00 B + Short Score prize giving**
• 15:30 Elite, A, Long + Medium score prize giving**

*Start times allocated prior to event
** Approximate timings for prize giving

As ever there will be an opportunity to stock up on new kit and race goodies.  Alongside the OMM range, we will have a selection kit list items.  And of course we’ll have a few special offers, perfect for rewarding yourself after a hard weekend!   Pre-orders are now available for collection on the website and Event merchandise can be ordered here.  We do not stock trainers.  

The OMM Shop will be at the Event HQ which is at a separate location to registration this year.   ALL PRE ORDERS should be collected at registration (otherwise at the Event HQ on Sunday)  The shop will be open again on Sunday after you finish.

PRIZES

The OMM is a not for profit adventure race and the purpose of the prizes is to recognise outstanding achievement.  As a result we award prizes in accordance with the following guidance although reserve the right to add where we see fit. 

We will always award prizes for 1st Overall team, 1st Female team, 1st Family Generation Team, 1st Mixed team and 1st Veteran team. 

Where there are 5 or more teams in a category we will award a prize for 2nd place. 

Where there are 10 or more teams in a category we will award a prize for 3rd place.

The Hutton (Military) Trophy will only be awarded to the highest placed military team on the Long Score, both team members must be currently serving or, have served in a military for at least 3 years. 

Please note due to the way the Veterans handicap is now calculated we will only be awarding an overall veteran prizes.

All prize wining teams will be presented with an OMM voucher in recognition of their achievement.

Previous Winners – Winning teams in each class are not eligible to compete competitively in the same class in future years (this excludes Long Score and Elite).

OMM Special Recognition Award.  If you know of someone taking part in the OMM that deserves special recognition please get in touch with Stuart the Event Director (stuart@theomm.com).

Family Generation Team.  

Please note that from 2023 the Family Generation Team criteria will change to the following to encourage younger competitors to take part, vital to ensure the continuation of Mountain Marathons for many years to come:   “2 members of the same family from different generations (e.g. grandfather/granddaughter, mother/son), one member of the team must be U21.”

Presentation

The presentation of prizes will take place in or close to the main marquee dependent on weather. There will be 2 prize presentations: B & Short Score at 1400 hours, Elite, A, Long & Medium Score at 1530 hours.  The the Hutton Trophy (military prize) will be presented at the same time as the Long Score.  Prizes will consist of vouchers to spend on OMM products.

VETERANS HANDICAP

The calculation of the handicap was changed for 2018 following competitor feedback; now only the age of the older team member is considered, and woman are given an additional handicap equivalent to 10 years.

This is how the percentage handicap will be calculated:

• A team is eligible for a handicap if both members are 45 or older on the Saturday of the event. This applies to both men and women.
• To calculate the handicap, ten years is added to the age of women and then the greater of the team’s two ages is used as the handicap age.
• The handicap percentage is then calculated as 1% for every year over 45.
• Here are some examples:
• A team of two men aged 50 and 55 has a 10% handicap.
• A team of a man aged 55 and a woman aged 50 has a 15% handicap.
• A team of a man aged 55 and a woman aged 44 is NOT eligible.
• A team of two men aged 40 and 70 is NOT eligible.

This is how the percentage handicap is used:

• For a linear course the total time over the two days is reduced by the handicap percentage.
• For score courses the total points score over the two days is increased by the handicap percentage. If the total points score over the two days is negative, no adjustment is made.
• Here are some examples:
• If the total time over two days on a linear class is 8 hours 30 minutes and the handicap is 10%, the time used for veteran results is 7 hours 39 minutes.
• If the total score over two days on a score course is 800 points and the handicap is 20%, the score used for veteran results is 960 points.

MILITARY CLASS – Hutton Trophy

Presented for the first time in 2010 at the OMM Dartmoor, the Hutton Trophy was presented to OMM by the family of Marine Jamie Hutton who was tragically killed in a training accident in 2008. Jamie and his father, Jim, also known as Col Jim Hutton OBE, Royal Marines, were the highest placed family team in their category in the Brecon Beacons OMM in 2004.  The Trophy is a Commando Dagger in a chunk of Dartmoor granite, which represents everything that the event stands for.  Designed to test teamwork, intelligence, determination and a robust sense of humour the OMM offers a different challenge every year.  

The Hutton (Military) Trophy will be awarded to the highest placed military team on the Long Score, both team members must be currently serving or, have served in a military for at least 3 years.

Concessionary Athlete Fund

We believe economic background and lack of resources are some of the biggest barriers to entry to our events and action needs to be taken to create champions from these backgrounds who can best represent the positive stories of Mountain Marathons. As such, we are pleased to announce that we will provide 20 scholarship entries to the OMM for those who would normally find entry to the event challenging.

The 20 entries will also have assistance in meeting the kit list requirements and have access to the OMM team for support in training and skills. Application to the scholarship will be by personal statement (written or by video) to james.gray@theomm.com, stating why they would like the support. Support from OMM will be provided confidentially.

YEAR CLUBS

We award 20/30/40 year club badges to the elite group of competitors and volunteers who have completed 20/30/40 or more events.  Lots more info here.  Please contact emma@theomm.com if you think you are eligible.  There are many who are no longer ‘race active’ and not on our mailing list who may be eligible, please alert anyone you know who is.  Presentations will be made at the event where possible.

Commitment to Review

Finally, we recognise that people are passionate about the sport of Mountain Marathon running and just want a fair opportunity to achieve in it. We believe we are outlining a fair system for all but undoubtedly, we will make errors and recognise that the landscape and expectations of society is changing all the time. We do not want to see the sport of Mountain Marathon left behind for the sake of tradition but instead, grow and nurture this unique challenge for future competitors.

We therefore commit that we will review our prizes and equal opportunity structure every two years (next in 2023) but within that time, we welcome your thoughts on what we can do better and will improve wherever we can.

Results – The results will be updated online every 15 minutes through the weekend.   Results will be available at the Midcamp via local Wifi, which will be available in the area around the Download.  You will be allowed to use your phones at the midcamp to scan the QR Code on your splits print and view the results.  See the instructions on the splits print.  The Wifi will not allow you to go online.  For those who don’t have a web enabled phone, old style paper results will be refreshed occasionally

Photography – Photographs will be available online free of charge after the event.

ORGANISATION AND CONTACTS

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBER FOR THE EVENT CENTRE OPS ROOM DURING THE EVENT ONLY – 01772 978756

The organisation of the competition is conducted by a small army of unpaid volunteer helpers drawn from a wide variety of clubs and organisations, including the many faithful stalwarts who help out every year and without whose experience it would not be possible to conduct such an event.  These teams of volunteers allow us to keep the entry fees as low as possible to benefit you.

The officials listed are the principal organisers and team leaders:

Event Director: Stuart Hamilton stuart@theomm.com

Event Coordinator/Competitor queries: Emma Gill emma@theomm.com

Event Communications/Press Officer:  Alistaire McGregor al@theomm.com

Race Coordinator and Controller: Dave Chapman dave@theomm.com

Registration: Sharon Fishwick and team

Communication: Andy Neville and team

Car Parking and Coaches: Ryan Greenwood and team

Start Day 1 and Finish Day 2: Andy Ellis and team

Midway Camp and Day 2 starts: Darren, Laura, Stephen, Andrew and the team from Glossop District Scouts

Event Infrastructure: Simon Peers and the team from North Yorkshire Scouts.