Seeking the KIMM Originals

Rob Howard / 26.09.2006

The organisers of the newly named ‘Original Mountain Marathon’ are trying to trace the estimated 80 runners who have completed 20+ KIMM’s since the event began in 1968.

The first event was a ground-breaking innovation at a time when only super athletes ran marathons, fell running was little known outside Cumbria, there was no lightweight kit, and no one had yet ‘invented’ trail running or adventure racing. Yet, the idea caught on, the KIMM became the blue ribband outdoor challenge event and established the 2 man/2 day format which has been copied by other races in the UK and all around the world.

So, the new name of the Original Mountain Marathon is well justified and the organisers are looking for those ‘originals’ who took part in the early races and have shown a sustained commitment to the event over the decades. (This year is the 39th race.)

For those who can verify they have completed 20, 15 and 10 years there are Gold, Silver and Bronze ‘ORIGINALS’ certificates on offer, and those who have taken part in 20 KIMM’s will be given a specially embroidered ‘20 year club’ fleece.

The award is open to all race officials as well as competitors and the two activities can be the combined.

The required proof is list of events, by year and listing partners or whether you were on the organising team. This must be done online, in the forum area of the OMM website, where there is also a ‘roll of honour’ waiting to be filled in.