When is the next OMM?
43rd OMM 2010 October 30/31st
The event is always held at the end of October, (usually the weekend when BST ends) to allow weather to enhance the challenge.
Where will the next OMM be held?
South West Britain
When will I know the course?
Courses and maps will be given out only after starting on the day of the event
How far is it?
The original concept of the OMM is that of a "2 day mountain marathon" and indeed the elite section continues to be more or less just that, around 80/84km for the two days, plus up to 3000m of ascent.
In addition to the elite event there are six additional classes to the OMM, including A, B and C classes which are respectively, 65km, 50km 40km in length over the two days.
The Score Class event are time-bound points-based competition along a route choice unique to you which gives more challenging navigation.
Dependant on to the location height gain can be up to 3,000m.
When do entries open?
From March onwards. You can apply online. <click here>. Entries close late July earlly Aug each year
When will I know if I have gained entry?
Early Aug online here.
OMM has reputation of being difficult to get an entry, any tips?
Yes the shorter the category the more oversubscribed it is.
If your entry is not accepted you are put on the waiting list; approximately 10 percent of all teams who enter have to pull out because of injury, sickness or job change. This means that in the last three years almost everyone who has been on the shortlist has gained a place finally. NB international entries get automatic entry acceptance.
What are the different classes?
There are 8 courses:
The distances and times for each course are as shown. All courses are 'open' but the organisers reserve the right to seed teams. Course distances and planned winning times are in reasonable weather conditions.
Class Distance and Winner's Times
- Elite (E) 80km 12 hrs
- Standard (A) 65km 11 hrs
- Standard (B) 55km 10 hrs
- Standard (C) 45km 8 hrs
- Standard (D) 40km 8 hrs
- Standard (S) Long 7 + 6 hrs (day 1/2)
- Standard (S) Medium 6 + 5 hrs
- Standard (S) Short 5 + 4 hrs
The course distances quoted here are based on a formula to produce a winner's time as indicated but where the nature of the terrain is calculated to retard progress i.e. excessive climbing or hazardous conditions, then the course distances would be adjusted accordingly.
All teams are expected to be able to finish their course in a time of that of the winner plus 50%. Competitors who doubt their ability to complete a course within this time are advised to enter a shorter course.
- Elite Course: With international flavour catering exclusively for the most competent and experienced. Only those with proven ability can be accepted for this class. Entry limit is 60 teams.
- 'A' Course: Also exceedingly demanding and embracing the same hazardous terrain but reduced in distance and climb. For teams with previous mountain marathon experience. Entry limit is 100 teams.
- 'B' Course: Less demanding than the 'A' course in both distance and climb. For teams with previous mountain marathon experience. Entry limit is 200 teams.
- 'C' Course: New course. Intended as a transition between linear courses and Score courses. At certain stages of the course competitors will need to select which controls they visit. Result will be solely based on time. Entry limit is 200 teams.
- 'D' Course: Equivalent to 'C' course in previous years. For teams with limited Mountain Marathon experience but good hill walking experience. Entry limit is 210 teams
Score Competition: In order to alleviate the problem of teams using the same route and the effect that it can have on the environment of the land, we have 3 Score categories.
Long Score (LS): Suitable for the Elite to experienced B category of competitors who have had previous OMM experience or for orienteers who have extensive mountain experience. Time over the two days - 7 hours day 1, 6 hours day 2. Entry limit is 200 teams.
Medium Score (MS): Additional challenge for Short Score competitors or as an alternative to the B class.6 hours day 1, 5 hours day 2. Entry limit is 320 teams.
Score Short (SS): Suitable for teams with hill walking experience who are good at navigating or for orienteers who want to use their skills of navigation in the mountains. 5 hours day 1, 4 hours day 2. Entry limit is 220 teams.
The time stated for the score class is an indication,it may vary according to the terrain etc. On all courses a handicap system will be introduced for veteran class teams, whose combined ages achieve a minimum of 90 years. The handicap will not influence the official race result but an additional handicap prize will be awarded. Women's and mixed teams are eligible to compete on any course and the best performances will be recognised with special prizes. We have continued with the award per class for the best generation family team i.e. father/son etc.
Note: This event is not suitable for novices to British mountains, at least one member of each pair in all classes should be experienced.
Map: The map to be used will be a new photogrammetric map, specially produced for the competition. It will be on the scale 1.40,000, i.e.2.5 centimetres representing one kilometre. It will havea grid of kilometre squares with grid references in keeping with those of the Ordnance Survey. The contour interval will be 15 metres and the map symbols similar to the conventional O.S. maps. Effectively, the map is a specialised mountain orienteering map, produced expressly for OMM.
What is score class?
The Score Class is a time-bound points-based competitionalong a route choice unique to you which gives morechallenging navigation.
The objective here is to gain as high a score as possible,each checkpoint has a different score level allocatedto it and as many as possible must be visited thereforewithin the time allowed. Penalty points are given forover-running the time allowed.
There are three score classes, long medium and shortand the respective time allowances for day one + daytwo are: 7 hrs + 6 hrs, 6 hrs + 5 hrs 5 hrs + 4 hrs.To receive a certificate you have to attain a certainpercentage of the average of the top three competitors’ pointsand there are three levels Gold Silver and Bronze.
Whats the difference between Score and line (E,A,B,C,D) classes?
Line classes ( Elite,A,B,C,D);the winner is the team with shortest time, however there is an eventual cut-off time usually well after dark.
Score classes, (say) long score is 7 hours day one and 6 hours day 2.
the winner is the the team with most points; check points vary from 10 points to 60 and these high points are at the extremities of the course/mots difficult locations or summits of the highest hills. Teams arriving later than allowed time are penalised points.This means that course planning is much more skilled (and is very interesting because each team does more or less a unique course) and the ability to judge speed of progress is also critical because of the penalty points system. It is not unknown for a team to attain zero point because of time overrun.
In terms of - is it harder? elite winners will finish in 6 hours per day but slower teams up to 19 hours.
For long score all teams have max 7 hours D1 and 6 hours day2.
summary: score is harder navigation but can be shorter for some and longer for others compared to line courses, it depends how fast you are. Regardless of your speed you take the same time in a score class as ant other team, whereas in line classes everyone is required to do teh same distance so times vary enormously.
The Hutton Trophy.
Every year we are honoured to receive entries from serving members of the UK military. In recognition of our armed services we are initiating an award for the best military team called the Hutton Trophy. This year the award will be focussed on the Long Score as it emphasises the qualities of the British armed forces of self reliance, fitness, navigation and decision making. This award has been presented to OMM by the family of Marine Jamie Hutton who was tragically killed in a training accident. Jamie and his father, Jim, also a serving Royal Marine were the highest placed family team in their category in the Brecon Beacons 2006. Jim continues to compete as part of the OMM community.
Who does the OMM?
Down the years we have had famous explorers, mountaineersand mountain guides (including Ranulph Fiennes, Mike Stroud, Al Powell and Al Hinkes).
We have top runners, orienteers, adventure racers,mountaineers, fell-walkers and "have-a-goers".
Why do they do the OMM?
To many it’s the biggest challenge of the year,to others it is an integral part of their annual trainingregime...
“The extra end of season effort keeps us fit throughwinter”.
“It's a new location more or less every year and oftenwhere we wouldn't normally go, so we see new places.”
“The overnight camp is great; we find our mates andpitch close for the banter”.
“All our mates do it and it's a good crack”.
“It's a great test of friendship and of course our navigation”
“I base my off road running career on the OMM; it's the grande finale to the season.”
What sort of kit will I need?
There is a mandatory kit list which has been carefully selected to ensure your safety and you will be asked to sign at registration that you are carrying full kit and there are random kit checks.
Each individual and team is responsible for being properly equipped for two days unsupported in exposed terrain at the end of October. Cotton clothing is not suitable. This list should be seen as a minimum requirement only. The organisers reserve the right to disqualify any competitors who, in their opinion, do not have the necessary kit to survive in an emergency situation.
Each competitor must wear or carry the following:
Taped waterproof jacket with hood.
Taped waterproof trousers.
Additional full leg cover
Base layer top
Additional warm layer top
Hat
Gloves
Socks
Footwear with suitable grip for off trail fell conditions
Head torch capable of giving useable light for a minimum or 12 hours
Whistle
Compass
Map (as supplied)
Sleeping bag
Adequate first aid equipment
Pen/pencil and paper capable of being used in wet conditions
Survival bag
Rucksack
Emergency rations.
Each team must carry the following at all times:
Tent with sewn in groundsheet
Food for the duration of the event
Cooking equipment including stove with sufficient fuel for duration of the race, with some spare for emergency use.
Any tips on footwear?
A fell shoe has 4 characteristics:
- Lacing which extends high up the instep and down to the toe to ensure that the shoe does not rotate on the foot during long steep traverses;
- The padding in the sole is much thinner than a road shoe so that you are close to the ground and there is less twisting action on your knee;
- Heels are low and narrow, (typically road shoe heels are 75/85 mm wide for size 8 whilst off road shoes are 60/65 mm this again to avoid twisting knees.
- Last but not least, the tread profile is deeper, it should be at least 4 mm to be effective on steep wet grass and mud.( typically road shoes are 2 mm or less)
What sort of a support team am I allowed?
All teams are fully self supporting. There is no team support and GPS and mobile phones are not allowed. The map and course are unseen until the whistle blows. Any team not arriving into camp on Saturday evening is deemed to have camped overnight en route or have made their own way to safety.
Your partner is your safety ‘first' aid, so make sure to stay friends and in close proximity. Remember, we don't take calls asking ‘is s/he OK'
Is there a course I can go on to improve my navigation and/or general skills?
Yes: Contact OMM Ltd for details.
I just need to find a partner now any suggestion?
Have a look on the Forum!