BS: Anyone in OMM last w/end?

Subject: BS: Anyone in OMM last w/end?
From: Mr Happy
Date: 27 Oct 08 - 05:24 AM

I know there's some fell runners among the 'catters.

Anyone took part in the race in the Lake District last w/end?

If so, all survive ok?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cumbria/7691020.stm

Subject: RE: BS: Anyone in OMM last w/end?
From: GUEST,BanjoRay
Date: 27 Oct 08 - 09:40 AM

I did it 8 or 9 times in the past, but I'm glad I wasn't there last weekend - we would have been in Langdale if the forecast hadn't put us off. The media went totally over the top about it of course, getting totally inappropriate stuff all through the stories. The fell rescue teams don't object to mountain marathons - many of the members take part, and when conditions are really bad, it's great training. The people who take part are mostly fit, having great equipment (compulsory under the race rules) and are very knowledgeable and experienced.
Mobile reception is terrible all over the Lake District because the aerials are mostly banned in the National Park, so all the "missing people" know exactly where they are - they're just out of touching. The entire crowd goes "missing" every year - that's the whole point!

Ray

Subject: RE: BS: Anyone in OMM last w/end?
From: John J
Date: 28 Oct 08 - 06:10 AM

Well put Ray.

I've done the OMM/ KIMM a few times, it's a tough but highly enjoyable way to test your skills, fitness etc against the weather and terrain...and the course planners!

Mike Parsons was interviewed by a TV journalist who seemed desparate to get a story of mayhem in the mountains, telling of the emergency situation where hundreds of competitors were trapped in appalling weather. The reality was that none of the competitors were lost - they all knew where they were and they were all equiped to deal with the conditions. And there was no emergency, it was just another KIMM / OMM with a little more rain than usual. Shame about the competitors cars though.

Had the competitors NOT been properly equiped and NOT had the skills / knowledge to deal with the situation then things could well have turned ugly. Fortunately the event demands minimum kit standards that ensure you can look after yourself. The rules also demand that competitors run in teams of two...and the pair should never be separated.

Watching the coverage (on the internet, I'm currently in USA) has fired me up to apply for next year's event.

John

Subject: RE: BS: Anyone in OMM last w/end?
From: Folkiedave
Date: 28 Oct 08 - 06:17 AM

He was on the radio too - and again the broadcaster was keen to have a story of myhem and disaster - Mike pointed out it just wasn;t true.

The hilarious bit was when he asked if the Mountain Rescue had been called out.

Subject: RE: BS: Anyone in OMM last w/end?
From: GUEST,Tally
Date: 13 Nov 08 - 07:50 AM