This year looks set to offer gruelling mountain marathons at both ends of the country. First up is the Highlander Mountain Marathon set to take place somewhere in the north of Scotland in April, and later in the summer the Original Mountain Marathon (OMM) will be run in the south west of England.
The Highlander, sponsored by Haglofs, and organised by Hands on Events, will take place over the weekend of 10/11 April. It will follows the traditional mountain marathon format in which teams of two navigate their way around a two-day course in the Highlands. A £500 prize for winners of A Class Mens, Womens and Mixed is being offered.
The exact location of the start is traditionally kept secret until a few days before the event takes place, although the organisers have said that it will be within 2 hours of Inverness and in the north of Scotland. A range of courses are available which enables the event to cater for elite athletes to first timers. And finally there will be a welcome midway marquee with hot food, traditional Scottish music and ceilidh dancing. For further info visit the website.
In August the OMM will take place in the south west of England, probably on either Dartmoor, Exmoor or Bodmin Moor. The OMM is the originator of the 2 day mountain marathon type event and is for teams of 2, carrying all clothing, equipment, tent, sleeping bag, food for 36 hours, navigating one’s own route and including an overnight camp. Teams are totally self supporting, no GPS or outside support is allowed and teams not arriving at the the overnight camp are assumed to have camped safely. This tough event, which this year, will feature an additional class, will be held on 2 August. Further details and entry here.