Mountain Marathon

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Mountain Marathon is an extended form of fell running, usually over two days and often with a strong orienteering element. Competitors usually participate in teams of two, and have to carry their own food and tent. There are various classes of event (such as, for the Karrimor - A B & C, Long and Short Score).

[edit] Principal UK events

The Lowe Alpine Mountain Marathon (LAMM) - usually held in the Scottish Highlands in June.

The Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon (SLMM) - usually held in or near the Lake District in early July.

The Mourne Mountain Marathon usually held in Mourne Mountains, County Down, Northern Ireland in September.

The Original Mountain Marathon (Formerly the KIMM) - usually held in the Scottish Lowlands, the Brecon Beacons, or similar terrain in late October.

The start arrangements on the two days are usually different (and are designed to encourage navigational independence). For example, on day 1 of the SLMM a staggered start is used, with teams being sent off at 1 or 2 minute intervals, and not getting their way-cards until they are 'on the clock'. On Day 2 the overnight leaders are often sent off half an hour before the others (a 'chasing start') and a mass start, for those more than half an hour behind overnight, then follows.

The races have provided the stimulus for various items of specialist lightweight gear, for instance lightweight tents (Saunders) and multipouched running sacs (the 'Kimm sac').