Chloe Lumsdon

What’s your training focus this year?

This year is all about rebuilding consistency in my training after a couple of years of niggles. I’m trying to focus on quality over quantity and making sure I prioritise sessions.

I’m hoping to bring some speed work back into the mix too—alongside my usual love of big hill days!

What events are you most looking forward to?

I’m really excited to run the GR130 which circumnavigates the beautiful island of La Palma in the Canaries. I’m also aiming to complete the Lakeland Classics Trophy, a series of seven iconic Lakeland races such as Wasdale Horseshoe, Buttermere or Langdale. It’s your best three performances that count.

What learnings are you taking forward from 2025?

Starting slow can really pay off in longer races. I’ve learned that I tend to get stronger as the race unfolds so even if I feel rubbish early on, it’s worth persevering as I usually end up overtaking people later on!

What was your favourite race in 2025?

The Ben Nevis Skyline was my highlight in 2025. The second half of the race gets more technical and gnarly which really suits my strengths and the type of running I love. Winning £100 and an all expenses paid trip to Italy was a pretty amazing bonus too!

Favourite piece of OMM kit to use during those long training sessions?

I absolutely love my Breeze Hood windproof layer. It’s super lightweight but still protects you from cool mountain breezes. It’s perfect for when you just need a little extra protection in the mountains but don’t want the added sweatiness of a waterproof jacket. It’s the ideal layer to have with you at all times

Rich Lazenby

What’s your training focus this year?

My first race of the year will be the epic Fellsman race around the Yorkshire Dales in April.

A race that has been well and truly on my radar for the last few years. Super excited to run it.

What learnings are you taking forward from 2025?

I think the main thing I learned from 2025 was to believe in myself as a runner with lots of experience, and not to overthink too much. If the training is done then, barring injury or illness, the race will get finished.

What was your favourite race in 2025?

My favourite race of 2025 was probably the hardest… the UTS 100 miler. I’ve ran 100’s before but this one’s an absolute brute of a race. As much as it tears you down it builds you back up with the beautiful landscape and views.

Was also fantastic having the support of the OMM team around the route too.

Favourite piece of OMM kit to use during those long training sessions?

I bloody love the Dyno Shorts it’s almost like they were made just for me… the fit is perfect and I love the handy phone pocket at the back.

While it’s been colder I’ve especially loved training in the Core Hoodie under the Wisp+ jacket.

I also love the MTNFire15 vest for those longer days when I have to carry water and supplies.

Sarah Gerrish

What’s your training focus this year?

The focus of my training this year will be the Lakeland 100 in July. It will be my first attempt at the race and my first 100 mile event if successful.

What events are you most looking forward to?

I am most looking forward to the Lakeland 100. I’ve heard really great things about the event & support. It’s on my home soil in the Lake District so I’m hoping to have friends out supporting over the weekend & I’m looking forward to challenging myself in a new event / distance.

What learnings are you taking forward from 2025?

2025 was a big year of change for me, with a lot of learning. I think a big take away, particularly with my running, was to make sure I take time to step back and check in with myself. It’s great to have goals, but it’s also important to reflect on those goals through the process / training and adjust if they no longer fully align.

What was your favourite race in 2025?

I didn’t do a huge amount of racing in 2025 & what I did do was quite varied. From a British Champs fell race for Helm Hill Runners where I managed to earn myself a Women’s V40 team medal, to Skyline Scotland & then the British Fell relays again with Helm Hill.

I absolutely loved Skyline Scotland where I did the Steall Marathon. It was a really varied route with big mountains, beautiful climbs, long boggy descents and tough stretches of runnable fire roads. The Mamores stole a bit of my heart!

Favourite piece of OMM kit to use during those long training sessions?

My favourite pieces are definitely anything from the Core range. Spending many weekends high in the fells they are perfect to keep the chill off and light enough that they don’t weigh down my pack.

Sam Atkinson

What’s your training focus this year?

This year I’m all about the shorter stuff; cross country, track, and 5–10K road races. I want to work on speed and see how fast I can get over those distances.

What events are you most looking forward to?

I’m not really zeroing in on any one race at the moment. With the move away from longer trail races, I’m just excited to race more often and mix things up with different distances and disciplines.

What learnings are you taking forward from 2025?

Specificity is everything, especially in Alpine trail racing. If you want to perform, you need to train in conditions that match the race: the terrain, the weather, even the altitude. You can’t fake it.

What was your favourite race in 2025?

Sierre Zinal for sure. Honestly, it was probably my toughest race.

A steep 1,300m climb right at the start, high altitude, and really hot conditions. Not my best performance, but stepping up to that level taught me so much about racing in the big Alpine events. It was a proper test and I enjoyed every brutal minute of it.

Favourite piece of OMM kit to use during those long training sessions?

The Breeze Hood. It’s perfect for cold winter runs on the moors, but I also take it up into the Alps in summer for a bit of sun cover. Can’t beat a layer that works all year round.

Sam Bentham

What’s your training focus this year?

My main focus is getting used to slightly further distances, building up from 10km fell races to anything up to around 25km on fells and trails.

I am going to be racing Ultra Trail Snowdonia and the English Fell Championships series.

What events are you most looking forward to?

I love watching my brother, Joseph, race and watching him enjoy it more and more and get faster! He will be doing lots of the Junior English Fell Championships and some of the England trial events so I will be cheering him on at some of them. I’m proud of him for just stepping on the start line!

What learnings are you taking forward from 2025?

I’m learning a lot about fuelling and the impact this has had on my previous races and training.

What was your favourite race in 2025?

Newlands Memorial Fell Race. Steep climbs and fast descents on a stunning day out in the gorgeous spring sunshine, with unrivalled views of Derwent water and the Skiddaw range!

Favourite piece of OMM kit to use during those long training sessions?

Over the winter months I have loved using the Rotor Vest, it’s a brilliant warm layer that packs down incredibly small! I also have loved the Ultrafire 5L running pack, it’s super comfy and a great size for long runs and carrying mandatory kit in races.

Chloe Lumsdon

What’s your training focus this year?

This year is all about rebuilding consistency in my training after a couple of years of niggles. I’m trying to focus on quality over quantity and making sure I prioritise sessions.

I’m hoping to bring some speed work back into the mix too—alongside my usual love of big hill days!

What events are you most looking forward to?

I’m really excited to run the GR130 which circumnavigates the beautiful island of La Palma in the Canaries. I’m also aiming to complete the Lakeland Classics Trophy, a series of seven iconic Lakeland races such as Wasdale Horseshoe, Buttermere or Langdale. It’s your best three performances that count.

What learnings are you taking forward from 2025?

Starting slow can really pay off in longer races. I’ve learned that I tend to get stronger as the race unfolds so even if I feel rubbish early on, it’s worth persevering as I usually end up overtaking people later on!

What was your favourite race in 2025?

The Ben Nevis Skyline was my highlight in 2025. The second half of the race gets more technical and gnarly which really suits my strengths and the type of running I love. Winning £100 and an all expenses paid trip to Italy was a pretty amazing bonus too!

Favourite piece of OMM kit to use during those long training sessions?

I absolutely love my Breeze Hood windproof layer. It’s super lightweight but still protects you from cool mountain breezes. It’s perfect for when you just need a little extra protection in the mountains but don’t want the added sweatiness of a waterproof jacket. It’s the ideal layer to have with you at all times

Chris Holdsworth

What’s your training focus this year?

The main focus this year will be to get back being competitive and race consistently – using this year as a launchpad for the years to come. Doesn’t matter how fit you are, without the months/years of consistent specific training and racing you’ll never be conditioned enough to achieve the goals you hope to. So for now, it’s one step at a time and building back up the right way.

I’ve still got my eye on a few qualification races for international teams, but the main thing will be to finish the year having felt I was competitive and created a few memories and moments to be proud of along the way.

What events are you most looking forward to?

I’m looking forward to seeing some of my old events I created be hosted under others! Starting with Lakeland Trails doing the Leighton Hall 10k & Half Marathon in March.

As for myself, there’s the Run Through 53k in April I’ll be entering and hoping to do well at, and my old white whale… the Three Peaks Fell Race at the end of April.

I’ll be then looking to enjoy a Summer of trail, fell and mountain races before looking to target an event or two in the autumn.

What learnings are you taking forward from 2025?

Well… I’d say my learnings from 2025 started way back in 2020 and have been a continuous process of understanding and adapting to a few health issues and life challenges ever since.

The main learning has been to strip everything right back, uncomplicate everything, never muddy the waters and keep running – and in particular, keep your enjoyment of it… separate to everything else in your life.

What was your favourite race in 2025?

2025 was a bit of a quiet one in terms of racing, but of the ones I got to, it was definitely Whinlatter Trail Half Marathon by Wild Deer Events, as it couldn’t be more my type of running. 2,400ft of runnable forestry hills, and I also got a cash bonus for breaking the record in sub 1:20, something I was particularly proud of as I was struggling a lot with some health issues at the time.

Favourite piece of OMM kit to use during those long training sessions?

I think the OMM Wisp is a brilliant jacket – very light, doesn’t make you overheat and keeps the rain out.

I haven’t yet had the chance to use the new OMM Fell Shoes but really looking forward to getting out on some muddy fells in those!

Rich Lazenby

What’s your training focus this year?

My first race of the year will be the epic Fellsman race around the Yorkshire Dales in April.

A race that has been well and truly on my radar for the last few years. Super excited to run it.

What learnings are you taking forward from 2025?

I think the main thing I learned from 2025 was to believe in myself as a runner with lots of experience, and not to overthink too much. If the training is done then, barring injury or illness, the race will get finished.

What was your favourite race in 2025?

My favourite race of 2025 was probably the hardest… the UTS 100 miler. I’ve ran 100’s before but this one’s an absolute brute of a race. As much as it tears you down it builds you back up with the beautiful landscape and views.

Was also fantastic having the support of the OMM team around the route too.

Favourite piece of OMM kit to use during those long training sessions?

I bloody love the Dyno Shorts it’s almost like they were made just for me… the fit is perfect and I love the handy phone pocket at the back.

While it’s been colder I’ve especially loved training in the Core Hoodie under the Wisp+ jacket.

I also love the MTNFire15 vest for those longer days when I have to carry water and supplies.

Oscar Subuh-Symons

What’s your training focus this year?

Fast trail racing and uphill only / vertical kilometre races. I’m keen to have a crack at getting my second GB vest and compete in the European Mountain Running Championships in June. I would also like to tackle my first marathon distance race later in the year and potentially have a crack at the silly idea of recreating Kilian Jornet’s legendary VK 10K session, where you complete a VK and a 10k both in under 30 minutes.

What events are you most looking forward to?

European Championships (if I qualify!)

Supporting my crazy friends Jacob Hiom and Oisin Brennan, who are taking on the UTS 100km and 100 miles.

Skiddaw Uphill Trials – always fun to race to the top of a hill against the best of the Brits.

What learnings are you taking forward from 2025?

Heat training is hard. I have dabbled with some heat training protocols, such as going to the sauna or cycling in lots of layers 4–5 times per week for a couple of training blocks, and it really takes it out of you. So, I’d recommend factoring this into your planning if you do give it a go.

What was your favourite race in 2025?

Trofeo Nasego – World Mountain Running Cup. It was my first international race and just an awesome experience to travel out and compete as part of England. Competing in my first VK (vertical kilometre) was very exciting (and painful), and the Italian mountains were even more stunning than I had envisioned.

Favourite piece of OMM kit to use during those long training sessions?

This may be an odd pick, but I’m a huge fan of the OMM Classic 25 Litre Backpack. When I first got it, I thought I had made a mistake, as it was so light I thought it couldn’t be durable. But I truly battered and tested it, running books and my laptop inside day after day, and it’s held up remarkably — no wear at all, to be honest. On top of that, the netting pouches are super handy for holding muddy shoes, wet gym clothes/towels, or anything else that you don’t want mingling with your nice fresh kit/stuff.

Sarah Gerrish

What’s your training focus this year?

The focus of my training this year will be the Lakeland 100 in July. It will be my first attempt at the race and my first 100 mile event if successful.

What events are you most looking forward to?

I am most looking forward to the Lakeland 100. I’ve heard really great things about the event & support. It’s on my home soil in the Lake District so I’m hoping to have friends out supporting over the weekend & I’m looking forward to challenging myself in a new event / distance.

What learnings are you taking forward from 2025?

2025 was a big year of change for me, with a lot of learning. I think a big take away, particularly with my running, was to make sure I take time to step back and check in with myself. It’s great to have goals, but it’s also important to reflect on those goals through the process / training and adjust if they no longer fully align.

What was your favourite race in 2025?

I didn’t do a huge amount of racing in 2025 & what I did do was quite varied. From a British Champs fell race for Helm Hill Runners where I managed to earn myself a Women’s V40 team medal, to Skyline Scotland & then the British Fell relays again with Helm Hill.

I absolutely loved Skyline Scotland where I did the Steall Marathon. It was a really varied route with big mountains, beautiful climbs, long boggy descents and tough stretches of runnable fire roads. The Mamores stole a bit of my heart!

Favourite piece of OMM kit to use during those long training sessions?

My favourite pieces are definitely anything from the Core range. Spending many weekends high in the fells they are perfect to keep the chill off and light enough that they don’t weigh down my pack.

Heather Tait

What’s your training focus this year?

I am currently focusing on a couple of big races including the Welsh 1000m peaks race in May and the Matterhorn Mountain Race in summer! These are longer, more technical mountain races so I’m focussing a lot of my training on technical routes in the Lake District, increasing distance and getting a better race nutrition strategy for longer days in the mountains.

Alongside these big events, I am competing in the English Championships this year and lots of local fell races just for the pure enjoyment of the events, incorporating them as faster training and racing for my club Helm Hill.

What events are you most looking forward to?

I’m super excited for the Matterhorn Mountain race because it’s taking me to a beautiful part of the world I have never been to before. The route is a good challenge for me, with huge climbs, some technical sections and a fair bit of altitude so I’m looking forward to really testing myself on something new!

The race is based in Zermatt which is also the start point of the Tour de Monte Rosa, a 174km trek circling the Monte Rosa massif through the Swiss and Italian Alps. So after a good rest day… my friends and I plan to run the trail over 6 days, staying in mountain huts along the route. Despite the post-race DOMs I will probably be experiencing, I am very excited for days of running through the Alps!

What learnings are you taking forward from 2025?

Racing a lot over 2025 left me feeling slightly burnt out at times. This has definitely taught me the importance of prioritising the enjoyment I get out of running over performance goals and that it’s okay to turn down events to focus on recovery and relaxing!

I have also learnt more about how fuelling running can prevent burnout and how the female body responds to training intensity, but I do believe there is a lot more research and learning to be done.

What was your favourite race in 2025?

The Langdale Horseshoe fell race in October as we had the most insane cloud inversion on top of Bowfell. I remember starting the race feeling pretty bad but once I was up on the tops, looking over to Scafell and the surrounding fells sitting above a blanket of cloud, I was reminded about how lucky I am to be running over the mountains with a view like that (you don’t get that in road running..).

Favourite piece of OMM kit to use during those long training sessions?

I love the OMM Core Hoodie because it’s a great mid-layer that’s kept me warm whilst running on the freezing Scottish winter mountains but also never makes me sweat or overheat on milder days. It’s also really lightweight to carry as an extra layer without adding a lot of bulk to your pack and is SO soft.

Sam Atkinson

What’s your training focus this year?

This year I’m all about the shorter stuff; cross country, track, and 5–10K road races. I want to work on speed and see how fast I can get over those distances.

What events are you most looking forward to?

I’m not really zeroing in on any one race at the moment. With the move away from longer trail races, I’m just excited to race more often and mix things up with different distances and disciplines.

What learnings are you taking forward from 2025?

Specificity is everything, especially in Alpine trail racing. If you want to perform, you need to train in conditions that match the race: the terrain, the weather, even the altitude. You can’t fake it.

What was your favourite race in 2025?

Sierre Zinal for sure. Honestly, it was probably my toughest race.

A steep 1,300m climb right at the start, high altitude, and really hot conditions. Not my best performance, but stepping up to that level taught me so much about racing in the big Alpine events. It was a proper test and I enjoyed every brutal minute of it.

Favourite piece of OMM kit to use during those long training sessions?

The Breeze Hood. It’s perfect for cold winter runs on the moors, but I also take it up into the Alps in summer for a bit of sun cover. Can’t beat a layer that works all year round.

Marcus Scotney

What’s your training focus this year?

My focus this year is on returning to the West Highland Way here in Scotland, taking on both the Devil o’ the Highlands and the Fling ultra marathons.

I’m also really keen to be back at the OMM this year, especially with it being hosted up here in Scotland.

What events are you most looking forward to?

I’m really looking forward to getting back into orienteering over Easter for JK 2026 as it heads up to Rannoch Forest. I’m also hoping for a few bothy trips over the summer and to get involved in more navigation-based events.

What learnings are you taking forward from 2025?

The big one: age really is just a number.

Winning the Cape Wrath Ultra at 50 and coming close to my 2016 course record showed me that with the right training approach and by properly prioritising rest and recovery, there’s still a lot of good racing ahead. I’ll be taking that balance of performance and recovery into 2026.

What was your favourite race in 2025?

Cape Wrath Ultra. Spending eight days journeying through some of the most remote parts of the Scottish Highlands is hard to beat. The scenery is unreal especially when the weather plays ball and the camp camaraderie makes it feel like more than just a race. It’s a real shared adventure.

Favourite piece of OMM kit to use during those long training sessions?

The Sonic Jacket is my go-to bit of OMM kit. It’s incredibly lightweight (around 50g), packs down small enough to fit in a shorts pocket, and is perfect for Scotland’s ever-changing weather. It’s ideal for taking the edge off the wind on exposed trails without overheating.