OMM - Original Mountain Marathon
Claire Briggs and me racing to the finish – OMM 2015 (photo credit: R and R photos)
The Original Mountain Marathon traditionally takes place on the wettest weekend at the start of each winter. The most popular category is not marathon in length – 'Medium Score' is purely time limited. From the starters gun you have six hours on the first day, and five hours on the second day, to run or walk to the finish checkpoint, visiting as many other checkpoints on the way. Each checkpoint is worth a different number of points, linked to its accessibility. If you arrive at the finish a second or more late you start losing points.
Each team is just two people strong, and you need to carry your tent, stove and other safety equipment throughout.
I have competed in OMM Medium Score twice, with the fantastic Jenny Newall and speedy Claire Briggs. The second time Claire and I finished 12th out of 152 starting teams in our category, and as the highest scoring mixed team in Medium Score.
The OMM is a wonderful challenge on the hills of the UK, and in the Score categories you can travel at a great variety of speeds across the rough ground and still finish within the time. Why don' you pack the waterproofs and sign up for the next OMM?