Karrimor International Mountain Marathon
A Lowland Gathering
Rob / 24.10.2003
Turn around and you bump into someone you know. The KIMM may be a huge event (around 1350 teams are expected to start) but it still manages to keep it’s friendly atmosphere. The loyal volunteers at registration are familiar faces to all have raced the KIMM before, and that’s the majority. And those registering will recognise faces they’ve seen at other KIMM’s and other races. As the shop and refreshment marquee fill up and the camping field fills with tents, the buzz of conversation grows, more people join the conversation, old meeting are remembered, and in no time the evening has passed, with pre-race nerves forgotten for a while at least. It’s an almighty craic, an outdoor gathering like no other.Trying to get into the Field and Trek tent (which has been packed all afternoon selling last minute kit and race clothing and right now has a huge queue at the till), I was stopped first by Robin Carter from Devon Orienteering club, who I’d first met on the Everest Marathon many years ago. “My partner, James Jackson, is doing the elite this year so I’m on the Long Score course with Jim Pine. It’s good training as I’m going back to try the Everest Marathon again a week next Tuesday.� Inside the tent I spot Terry Povey a familiar face from the 3 Peaks Yacht Race. “I’ll just be glad not to be sea sick on this one,� he says. Peter Eagan, an ACE Race regular reminds me to take his picture if I should see him tomorrow. I’ve still not made it into the tent yet … and won’t for a while.
On arrival I’d been directed by the parking marshals to a corner of the huge event field just off the A7, North of the village of Langholm. They are organised and very firm, and with so many cars to park they have to be. When I get back to the car Dave Owens and Derek Holland, who’d made the journey up from Rugby, are busy planning their weekend, not competing, but marshalling. We say hello.
“There are only two controls which need an overnight stay, and we’ve got one of them,� said Dave. “We’ve been coming since the 1980’s, first as competitors, and more recently as marshals. Our first marshalling was the Howgills event, which was horrendous, I think we were the only marshals who stuck it out at that race. We’re well prepared this time too, the forecast is minus 3 for tonight! I guess we just come back as it keeps us involved with the KIMM and we see everyone we know.�See All Event Posts
