OMM 2016

OMM The Iconic UK Mountain Race Heads To South West Scottish Mountains For 49th Edition

News Release / 14.04.2016

The Original Mountain Marathon race is known as the forerunner to all adventure races. First run in 1968 to test a competitors capabilities in the remote fells of the UK at the end of October, the OMM is now in it’s 49th year and retains its reputation as the iconic UK mountain race. Over 2 days teams of 2 use their abilities to find a series of checkpoints spread across 400sqkm of the UK’s mountains. Teams are self-reliant and must carry a tent, sleeping system and supplies for the remote overnight campsite at the end of day 1.

The OMM is made to test everything about a competitor. You don’t have to the fittest, or the best navigator, but between you and your team mate you must have all the skills and mental endurance required to negotiate the mountains safely at the end of October. The difficulty is in the combination of elements; the open terrain, brutal Autumnal weather and course options making you consider vicious ascents or leg sapping bogs. These elements alone would be not that challenging however, added together they provide a mental challenge like no other.

The courses require a complete range of skills to finish: route selection, teamwork, survival skills, navigation and intelligence as well as a dogged determination. This appeals to the military who have approved that it can be used as a training opportunity by their personnel.

It’s hard to describe what an OMM competitor looks like as they come in all ages, sizes and abilities. There doesn’t seem to be a “type” for the mass competitors, anyone can finish an OMM, if they have the drive to do so.

“Competitors discover what they’re capable of when there’s no one in front or flag to follow”

For the majority, completing the OMM is the goal providing they have the necessary skills and drive “to get though it”. The OMM requires determination above anything else. None stop determination for 36 hours, easier said than done when you're faced with a 400m climb up a heather covered slope.

“Finishing the OMM, you know you’ve accomplished something 99% of people will never do”

8 course options are offered to cater for different abilities, ranging from 20km – 80km.  The most extreme of these is the ELITE CLASS, recognised around the world as one of the toughest of any event. The combination of terrain, distance and conditions make it a very serious undertaking. 100+ athletes enter the ELITE CLASS each year consisting of some of the best mountain runners from 30 different countries. The 2015 included Orienteering Champions, Team GB athlete, Trail running Champion, Japanese Ironman Champion and UK Special Forces and was won by Kim Collinson & Adam Perry.

For 2016 the Original Mountain Marathon will be in the South West of Scotland, the exact location is a closely guarded secret until 8 weeks prior to the event. Entries are open now for 2016 at www.theomm.com

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