Location revealed for OMM 2016: The Ultimate Mountain Challenge

News Release / 25.07.2016

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The 49th edition of the OMM (Original Mountain Marathon) will be held in the Galloway Mountains around GlenTrool in South West Scotland.

60+mph winds, 10ft visibility and torrential rain are conditions competitors are expected to be comfortable in on the OMM. Held in some of the most remote parts of the UK at the end of October, when conditions are extremely challenging, the two day race is designed to test a persons capabilities in the mountains.

To complete the OMM requires endurance, navigation, survival skills, route selection, teamwork & intelligence!

This year 2000 competitors from 30 countries will be vetted to compete on the OMM course. With 8 courses ranging from D Class (20km + 1500m of ascent each day) up to the formidable Elite Class (80km + 5000m of ascent each day) with a reputation that attracts some of the best athletes in the world from mountain running, orienteering and the military.

OMM says,

“The OMM is a not-for-profit event that was first run in 1968 to test a persons capabilities in the mountains. Being aware of your abilities and being able to make decisions based on that is at the heart of the OMM and should be at the forefront of anyone using our wild spaces. What makes the OMM unique is that we use our teams vast experience to give competitors as much freedom as possible to make their own decisions during the event whilst providing support when required.”

LOCATION: UK mountains at the end of October

WEATHER: Rain, sleet, high winds, hail & sun…possibly

ROUTE: You decide!

DAY 1 CAMPSITE: Remote campsite in the mountains

SKILLS REQUIRED: Endurance, navigation, survival, route selection, teamwork, intelligence!

TERRAIN: Bogs, mud, tussocks, track, trail, heather, scree, rock, grass, forest, river.

COURSE AREA: 420km2

This years’ event will be held on 29-30 October in the Galloway Hills around Glentrool. Dave Chapman, race controller said “The Galloway Hills offer some of the toughest Mountain Marathon terrain in the UK, with a mix of good running on the tops and wet, heavy going in the valleys. Our last visit to these mountains was in 2006 and we’re pleased to be welcomed back by the Forestry Commission and Scottish Natural Heritage.”

Entries are open now for this years’ event at www.theomm.com/the-omm-2016/

About the race: Teams of 2 have 2 days to find a series of checkpoints spread across 420km2 of wilderness and get to a wild camp at the end of day 1. The teams must carry a tent, sleeping bag and everything they need to be self-reliant for the duration. Completing the course is the goal for most competitors but the teams who choose the quickest route of each course are the winners.