OMM aficionados Mike & Richard give us their 10-Step Guide to putting together Mountain Marathon courses in their 55th OMM Planners’ Report
Runs in the Family: A Generation of OMM
Emily Cartigny
In its 54th year, the Original Mountain Marathon event has chosen to introduce a new category to its prize-giving: Family Generation Team.
The Original Mountain Marathon (OMM; previously known as KIMM) is a cornerstone of the fell running calendar. Hosted (somewhat sadistically) at the end of October to “guarantee” bad weather, this classic is widely recognised as the ultimate test of mountain skills.
In the spirit of family generation, despite neither of us meeting the under-21 age bracket, I invited my own Dad to take on this year’s OMM event in Eryri, Snowdonia
The event isn’t only designed to challenge your legs, it also tests your ability to hold on to a map in 60mph winds, take a bearing with one eye closed to driving rain, communicate to a partner through the sound-proof shield of a coat hood, and finally to put up a tent when your fingers have turned to ice.
Since its conception in 1968, the event has remained largely unchanged, with the exception of introducing digital trackers and (one I am particularly grateful for) an upgrade of the toilets from a hole in the ground to Port-a-loos. However, in its 54th year, the Original Mountain Marathon event has chosen to introduce a new category to its prize giving: Family Generation Team.
This accolade is awarded to the best-performing pair that contains two members of the same family from different generations (e.g. grandfather/granddaughter, mother/son). However, to classify, one member of the team must be under 21 years of age. OMM, the current custodians of the event, see this as a vital step to ensure the legacy of fell running, navigation, and mountain marathons.
READ MORE: UltraRunner Magazine – Runs in the Family: A Generation of OMM
In its 54th year, the Original Mountain Marathon event has chosen to introduce a new category to its prize-giving: Family Generation Team.
The Original Mountain Marathon (OMM; previously known as KIMM) is a cornerstone of the fell running calendar. Hosted (somewhat sadistically) at the end of October to “guarantee” bad weather, this classic is widely recognised as the ultimate test of mountain skills.
In the spirit of family generation, despite neither of us meeting the under-21 age bracket, I invited my own Dad to take on this year’s OMM event in Eryri, Snowdonia
The event isn’t only designed to challenge your legs, it also tests your ability to hold on to a map in 60mph winds, take a bearing with one eye closed to driving rain, communicate to a partner through the sound-proof shield of a coat hood, and finally to put up a tent when your fingers have turned to ice.
Since its conception in 1968, the event has remained largely unchanged, with the exception of introducing digital trackers and (one I am particularly grateful for) an upgrade of the toilets from a hole in the ground to Port-a-loos. However, in its 54th year, the Original Mountain Marathon event has chosen to introduce a new category to its prize giving: Family Generation Team.
This accolade is awarded to the best-performing pair that contains two members of the same family from different generations (e.g. grandfather/granddaughter, mother/son). However, to classify, one member of the team must be under 21 years of age. OMM, the current custodians of the event, see this as a vital step to ensure the legacy of fell running, navigation, and mountain marathons.
READ MORE: UltraRunner Magazine – Runs in the Family: A Generation of OMM
Emily is a freelance writer on a mission to unlock the outdoors for underrepresented groups. She’s particularly passionate about sharing female stories of adventure and the outdoors. When it comes to running her strengths are enthusiasm and pure stubbornness rather than talent. You'll usually find her getting lost in the Lake District or on her local fell, Farleton Knott.
Emily is a freelance writer on a mission to unlock the outdoors for underrepresented groups. She’s particularly passionate about sharing female stories of adventure and the outdoors. When it comes to running her strengths are enthusiasm and pure stubbornness rather than talent. You'll usually find her getting lost in the Lake District or on her local fell, Farleton Knott.
If you have a story to tell, whether it’s from the OMM, another race or challenge or just how you use our kit, get in touch! Just pop an email to james@team-ark.com and who knows, you might just earn yourself some free kit!
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