OMM Lite Competition Rules and Code of Conduct

We want everyone to have an enjoyable and safe weekend whether you are running for fun or in it to win!   To ensure fairness and equality for all participants, it’s necessary to apply rules. These rules, which are set out below will be STRINGENTLY enforced.

Follow the rules – everyone has a great weekend.
Don’t follow the rules – be automatically disqualified from the current event and potentially banned from future events.

1. THE GOLDEN RULE – Once registered, competitors must report to the Event HQ at the end of each day and download by 17:00 hours whether they have completed the course or not.  If this is not done the team is deemed missing and will be searched for!

2.  Age limits.  U18s in a team only with a combined min. age 35yrs.  Minimum age is 14yrs old.  U14 and feel you have enough experience to compete?  Parent/guardian contact emma@theomm.com.     Any competitor under the age of 18 not in a team with their parent/guardian must complete a parental consent form.

3. Teams.  Teams of 2 (or 3 – contact emma@theomm.com) are allowed if not running solo.  Teams must stay close enough to be able to talk to each other.   All team members must visit each control site together carrying all their equipment.   If one member of the team cannot continue (e.g. injured/exhausted) the other team member must ensure that they get safely back to the Event HQ, the 2nd team member may then be able to continue as a solo.

3.  Emergencies – If you have a medical emergency you should call 999 where possible, for more minor issues or if you need to retire you must contact Event HQ on the emergency number provided on the map.   If you come across an injured competitor you should assist in any way you can, please inform us on your return and we will ensure that a time adjustment is made where necessary.

4. Navigation – Solo competitors and at least one in each team must be able to read a map using a compass, without the aid of GPS devices.

5.  Mobile phones/GPS – You must carry a fully charged mobile phone for use in an emergency and you may also wear or carry a GPS device (i.e. watch) to track your run/ride (for your use after the event) but these must not be used for navigation.  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.

7.  Routes – This is NOT an open access event.  All competitors must keep to public or permissive rights of way (as per event map). Out of Bounds areas and compulsory crossing points are also marked on the event map and must be respected.

8. Kit – Competitors must carry or wear the equipment and clothing on the official kit list. This is the absolute minimum for safety. Kit checks may be carried out by race officials at any time.

9. 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.

Event Site Rules

10.  Dogs – Well behaved dogs are welcome but are NOT allowed to accompany competitors on the course or be inside the Event HQ Marquee or be left unaccompanied in tents/cars.  They should be kept on a lead at all times.

11.  Fires – No open fires or charcoal BBQs permitted at the Event HQ/camping field.

12.  Noise – No private generators or sound systems. No unnecessary noise after 11pm.

13.  Illegal drugs – Illegal drug use will not be tolerated at the OMM Festival. Please do not bring and/or take drugs.  Any drug use will be reported to the police.

14.  U18s. Children must be accompanied by a suitable and responsible adult guardian.  The guardian is responsible for the welfare of the child.

WHO CAN ENTER

Solos and teams of two (or three*).  U18s in a team only with a combined min. age 35yrs. Minimum age is 14yrs old. But if you are U14 and feel you have enough experience to compete ask your parent/guardian contact emma@theomm.com.    We recommend the Short Course for younger competitors.

*If you’d like to enter a team of three please enter as a solo and a team of two then email emma@theomm.com and we’ll add you to the start list as a threesome.

It’s a two day event with prizegiving on Sunday.   However, if you prefer you can enter for 1 day (either Saturday or Sunday).   If you choose the one day option you’ll be non- competitive, but will still show on the results and receive a detailed print out of the checkpoints you visited and timings.

THE START

Head to the start line within your allocated start time window which will be emailed to you 2 weeks prior to the event.   You will be given any final information before being asked to ‘dib’ your timing tag in the START box.  Your time will begin and you will then be given your map, showing all the checkpoint locations available for that day and how many points they are worth.  You then move away from the start line and plan your route.

WHAT TO DO AT EACH CHECKPOINT

Each checkpoint will have the standard orienteering orange and white sign with control box attached to it.   Your timing tag (this is included in your entry fee and attached to your wrist) should be placed into the hole in the control box to register you have visited the location; it will bleep and flash to confirm that this has been successful.

In the unlikely event that the control box doesn’t work, please record your visit writing down the 3 letters shown on the control box (you can also take a photo if easier) and report this when you download at the finish so your score can be updated.

THE FINISH

If you are in a team you must finish together.  After finishing all competitors must go straight to the download desk where you will be given a print out showing the controls you visited with points and split times.  Make sure to keep your tag on overnight on Saturday to use on the second day.   At the finish on Sunday follow the same procedure, your SI timing tag will be removed.   You can then make your way to catering, show them your results printout and you will be given some well deserved hot food and drink!

SI-TAG AND SAFETY

The timing tag will be attached loosely to your wrist at registration.  This must remain attached all weekend and will be removed either when you finish or if you retire by event officials  at the Event centre.

As well as for timing your tag has an important safety role – it’s how we can confirm who is still out on the course.  Because of this all tags MUST be downloaded on Saturday and returned to the event centre by 17:00 on Sunday before you leave the area.

Missing tag = Missing person = Search party.

If you retire you must inform Event HQ as soon as possible (emergency numbers are on the map) and return your timing tag.  If you think you are going to be more than 30 mins late please inform Event HQ via the number on your map.

You will quickly get used to having the tag on your wrist. Wrists do swell during exercise and providing it has been attached loosely; you will hardly notice that you are wearing it overnight. If you lose, break or take a tag home with you the charge will be £30.00.  The use of your own SI-tag is not allowed.

THE COURSES

OMM Lite competitors will be given a map at the start line, on it are all the checkpoint locations available for that day and how many points they are worth.   The aim is to collect as many points as you can in the time allowed.

Long Course – Saturday 7 hours, Sunday 5 hours

Short Course – Saturday 5 hours, Sunday 4 hours

You do not have to stay out on the course for the whole time – you choose when you finish.   But if you go over the time allowed penalty point will be accrued as follows:

1 to 5 minutes late – lose 1 point per minute
5 to 10 minutes late – lose 2 points per minute
10 to 15 minutes late – lose 5 points per minute
15 to 30 minutes late – lose 10 points per minute
Over 30 minutes late – lose all points

If you manage to clear the course (i.e. visit every checkpoint) you will be awarded 2 bonus points per minute remaining of your time allowed.

We will be using Ordnance Survey 1:25000 maps

Example Map:

EACH COMPETITOR MUST WEAR OR CARRY THE FOLLOWING:

OMM LITE

• Taped seams waterproof jacket (with hood) and trousers
• Clothing suitable for mountain running and walking
• warm layer top
• Hat (this can be a buff) and gloves
• Footwear suitable for trail use
• Whistle & Compass
• Map (as supplied)
• First aid equipment
• Emergency food (this is something to keep you going in an emergency – you must have these when you finish) 
• Water carrying capability
• Fully charged mobile phone

This list should be seen as a minimum requirement only. Check the weather forecast, use any previous experience and sound judgement for the kit you should be wearing and carrying for a day in the mountains/hills.  The organisers reserve the right to disqualify any competitors who, in their opinion, do not have the necessary kit to cope in an emergency situation.

Any decisions to reduce the amount of kit you need to carry (e.g. in exceptionally warm weather) will be posted at Registration and on the information board on the morning of the event.

You do not need to bring all your kit to registration for checking, just your backpack (1 per team) so that your tracker can be attached, however random kit checks will be carried out at any point during the event.

IS CAMPING AT THE EVENT INCLUDED IN MY ENTRY?

NO.  Camping or staying in a live in vehicle  is £15 per adult for 2 nights (Fri 2nd/Sat 3rd Jun 23) and MUST be booked in advance.  Under 18s are free of charge.

HOW DO I BOOK CAMPING?

Book for competitors (and supporting family/friends) on the entry form for the OMM Lite.   If you need to add camping after you have entered you can do so here – OMM Camping.

WHAT IS THE CAMPING AREA LIKE?

The Showfield at Grasmere is grassy and mainly flat.

This is a ‘pop-up’ campsite; a field with portaloos and water taps (and amazing views).  For 2023 we are hoping to provide a limited number of showers (to be confirmed!) there will be an additional cost for this.    No electric hookups.

Our friendly volunteers will greet you at the gate, and show you which area to go to:

Pitch your tent next to your vehicle – For tents no bigger than the average car.
Pitch your tent close to your car – No vehicles allowed on this part of the field.  Great for families and groups that want to camp together.  Cars will be parked no more than 100m away and likely to be much closer.
Campervans under 6m in length – parked on grass
Campervans 6m or over in length and Caravans – Majority will be parked on hardstanding.  Caravan owners may be asked to park their car separately.

To keep the camping area safe, once you have parked up for the weekend, we ask you not to move your vehicle.

CAN WE CAMP NEXT TO OUR FRIENDS?

The only way to ensure this is by arriving at the same time.    It is not possible to save a space for friends arriving later.

WHAT TIME DOES CAMPING OPEN AND CLOSE?

Camping and parking open at 3pm on Friday and closes at 5pm on Sunday.  All bookings include camping on Friday and Saturday night.   You are welcome to  arrive on Saturday but there is no reduction in price.   Unfortunately, camping is NOT available on Sunday night.

CAN WE STAY OFF SITE?

Yes, if you’d like to sleep in a little more luxury then you are welcome to stay in one of the many B&Bs or hotels in the area.  Lots more information here.

EVENT SITE RULES

Dogs – Well behaved dogs are welcome but are NOT allowed to accompany competitors on the course or be inside the Event Marquee or be left unaccompanied in tents/cars.  They should be kept on a lead at all times.

Fires – No open fires or charcoal BBQs permitted at the Event HQ/camping field.

Noise –  Quiet site after 11pm.  No private generators or sound systems and any time.

Illegal drugs – Illegal drug use will not be tolerated at the OMM Festival. Please do not bring and/or take drugs.  Any drug use will be reported to the police.

U18s. Children must be accompanied by a suitable and responsible adult guardian.  The guardian is responsible for the welfare of the child.

FOOD AND DRINK

All OMM Lite competitors have a hot meal and drink included in their entry fee which can be picked up in the main marquee after you finish on Sunday (Saturday for those competing on Saturday only).   If you have a serious allergy or concern please email emma@theomm.com prior to the event.

Food.  There will be a wide selection of food available over the whole weekend.  Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options will be on offer.  Here’s last year’s MENU (which includes opening times) to get your taste buds going! 

Fellbeck Farm Bar.  Serving local ales and soft drinks all weekend. We try hard to encourage recycling and sustainability and to this end a deposit of £1.50 for a reusable pint pot is now required when purchasing drinks from the bar. 

Alf’s Pizza’s.  NEW for 2023 we will also have delicious artisan pizzas.

The Little Blue Pig.  We are also very pleased to welcome back The Little Blue Pig.  The iconic, vintage Citroen HY coffee van serving high quality freshly ground coffee, speciality teas and the best home-made cakes and bakes.

Ice Cream Van.  We’ve ordered sunshine again for this year!  Our ice cream van will be happy to provide you with something ice cold!

Please note that all rubbish placed in the on-site skip is recycled by the hire company so that the minimal amount is sent to landfill.

EVENT HQ LOCATION

The Show Field
Stock Lane
Grasmere
LA22 9SL

Access to parking, camping and the Event Centre opens at 3pm on Friday and will be clearly signposted.  PLEASE DO NOT ARRIVE BEFORE THIS TIME.  Parking closes at 1030pm , if you arrive after this time please follow the instruction posted on the gate.  Parking opens again at 7am on Saturday morning.

Our friendly volunteers will meet you on arrival and show you where to park (parking is included in your entry).

Camping or arriving in a vehicle you will be sleeping in?  You must also read the section below ‘Camping, Campervans and accommodation’

HOW TO GET THERE

By Car. 

The Event HQ is located just off the A591 at Grasmere.

By Public Transport.

The nearest train station is Windermere approx 10 miles from Grasmere.    From here you can travel by taxi or bus to Grasmere.

Link to national rail timetables here

Link to bus timetables here

REGISTRATION AREA

You will be asked to complete an online registration form approx 2 weeks before the Event.

On arrival head to the Registration area – open from 15:00 to 22:00 on Friday and from 07:00 to approx 09:30 on Saturday and Sunday

• Queries Desk.   For any last minute changes to your team.
• Timing Tag Collection Desks.  Hire of timing cards is included in your entry.   You must have completed online registration BEFORE arriving at the event.   Teams should register together.   Collecting Sat am? Arrive early to ensure you don’t miss your start window (start times were emailed to all competitors two weeks before the event). 
• No kit check at registration (but random checks will be carried out during the event).
• Safety Trackers.  These will be attached to you shoulder strap – please bring your bag to registration (only 1 per team required).
• Car Key Drop-off.  Keys can be dropped off at the registration area.
• Baggage Drop.   Travelled by public transport?  We can store your baggage.

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

We will have a full range of extra activities for you and/or your family and friends to take part in over the weekend.

This will include talks, workshops, Teddy dash, kids race, face painting, treasure hunt and remember their are trails, bike rides, the beautiful village of Grasmere and a lake to swim in right on the doorstep.

More info coming soon….

Sports Massage will be available throughout the weekend.  More info to follow.

The OMM Lite is a not for profit adventure race and the purpose of the awards is to recognise outstanding achievement.  Only the 2 day OMM Lite (both long and short courses) are awarded prizes.   Teams and solo competitors compete for the same awards. 

We will award prizes* for 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd place in each of the following categories:

• Overall
• Female
• Mixed
• Family Team
• Veteran
• Special recognition

*As recognition of achievement an OMM Voucher (£30) will be given to all prize winners)

Family Team.  Consists of close family members from different generations one of whom must be under 18.

Veterans Handicap.  We are introducing a Veterans Handicap (as per the October OMM):

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.

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

Key Times for OMM Festival/Grasmere Gallop

Friday 

15:00                Registration, parking and camping opens
16:00                Food and bar available
21:00                Catering Closes
22:00                Registration Closes
22:30                Parking closes (let arrivals follow instructions on gate)
22:30                Bar Closes

Saturday 

07:00               Registration opens
07:00               Food and drink available
09:00 – 11:00 OMM Lite Starts
11:00                Grasmere Gallop Trail races – warmup, brief and walk to start
11:30               Grasmere Gallop Trail races – Start
12:00                Food and bar available
13:30                Grasmere Gallop prize giving (approx. timing)
21:00                Catering closes
23:00               Bar closes

Sunday

06:30               Registration open
07:00               Food and drink available
08:00 10:00 OMM Lite Starts
07:30             Grasmere Gallop Marathon Start.
14:30              OMM Lite/Grasmere Gallop Marathon Prize giving (approx. timings)
16:00                Catering closes
17:00                Event site closes

OMM EVENT TEAM AND CONTACTS

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 : Emma Gill emma@theomm.com

Race Planners: Sam Atkinson

Event catering: Fellbeck Catering, Little Blue Pig Coffee

Infrastructure & logistics: Simon Peers and team.

Car Parking: Ryan Greenwood and team