We have four ‘virtual’ score courses in the Kentmere valley in the SE Lake District to help with your navigational training. These are all based out of the Staveley Mill Yard, LA8 9LR (https://goo.gl/maps/5v9gT2Fm6nfc2Rd6A)
Current Leader boards
These courses have been available since 2022 and the successful completions are shown in these results:
There are defined locations (‘controls’) with different values and the objective is to collect as many points as possible by visiting the controls within the designated time (2/3/4.5 or 6 hours depending on which course you have elected at the start).
There are no physical markers at the controls – instead we use a GPS smartphone app called MapRun to identify and record when each control has been visited. At the end of your run, your results are displayed and are stored on a server so you can see your ranking compared with other people who’ve completed the same course.
HOW TO GET READY TO TAKE PART
You need to install an app called MapRun which is available free on the Apple App Store or Google Play for Android. Fill in your name, which will appear in the rankings, and basic information under “User details” on the App. We cannot offer technical support on this App, but this link covers some issues that might arise on your phone.
When you are out on the course the app uses GPS and is not reliant on a phone signal. Before leaving home or whilst you still have access to data you need to download the course from the App.
Open the app and use “Select Event” to find our course which is listed under UK/Cumbria/Saunders and then click on the course you wish to enter. Alternatively, use the relevant QR codes below to go straight to the course you wish to complete. The 2 and 3 hour courses are the the same (but with different time limits) and the 4.5 and 6 hour courses are the same (but again different time limits) – make sure you select the correct course before you start. If you choose the shorter time for each course limit and take longer than this then you will lose points via penalties. If you choose the longer course and don’t use all your time then you will not incur penalties but will be simply leaving points on the course. You can download all of the courses and make the decision as to which one you want to do just before you start.
Collect the relevant SLMM score course map from Inov8’s The Forge Store located at Staveley Mill Yard, LA8 9LR (between Hawkshead Brewery and More Bakery. The store is open 6 days a week, Thursday to Tuesday (9-5, except Sunday 10-4, closed Wednesdays).
Note: The 2 and 3 hour course use an A4 map and the 4.5 and 6 hour course use an A3 map. You must make sure you have the correct map for your chosen course!
Inov8 have generously supported the cost of the map and course and we would like to see a minimum donation to the Kendal Mountain Rescue Team from our competitors, made on collection, of £2 per A4 map and £3 per A3 map.
STARTING AND COMPLETING THE COURSE
To get to the start, leave The Forge store and turn left at the end of the covered arcade. Turn left again at the bowling club and you will see the bridge over the river Kent, which is the start and finish of the course.
Start the MapRun app and click on “Go to Start” – this will display the map on your phone so that you can see if your GPS is working. Go towards the start area as shown on the map and get ready to run. The app will automatically start logging your track and time when you pass within about 10m of the Start. The phone will beep indicating your timer has started.
Now just follow your course around the controls and as you get within about 10m of each one your phone will beep and display a message saying the control has been registered. If it doesn’t do this immediately, circle around the control for a bit – it can take a few seconds for your GPS to register your location, especially under trees. If it still doesn’t register, start wondering if you’re in the wrong place! The MapRun app will show you the last control you have visited, the elapsed time and the time you have remaining to complete the course.
When you get to the finish the timer will stop automatically and you will be given the option to upload your results to the server. This will then allow you to see your position in the rankings for the course. You can also configure MapRun to upload your route directly to Strava.
PENALTIES AND TIME LIMITS
Once your phone has registered your start you have the time allowed for your course to collect as many points as possible and return to the start, where you phone will register you have finished. Each control point has a unique identifying number with a control description which describes the feature on the ground and a numerical points value ascribed to it. These are aggregated to produce your total score and each control point only counts on the first visit. If you exceed the allowed time out on the course, points are subtracted at the rate of 10 points for every minute or part minute you are late. So, for example, if you enter the 2-hour course and take 2 hours 6 minutes and 23 seconds to collect 250 points you will lose 70 points and your final score will be 180 points. If you had entered the 3-hour course you would retain 250 points.
RULES
The boundary of open access land is shown on the map with a thick orange band. Outside access land you must stay on public rights of way (paths and bridleways shown with red dots and roads). Inside access land you can go anywhere but must only cross walls/fences at gates and stiles. These exist wherever a right of way (with red dots) crosses a wall/fence and there are additional places marked in purple (see map legend for symbol). Remember that your route will be visible on the results page so your score may not be counted if these rules are not followed.
SAFETY
All those using the app and the course do so entirely at their own risk and need to be aware of the dangers of traversing remote mountains, where communications are poor. We have no control over who uses the courses and do not vet participants. With everyone taking responsibility for themselves there are therefore no mandatory kit requirements. However, as a general rule for anyone running or walking in the mountains, at any time of year we would suggest taking at least the FRA mandatory kit list [waterproof whole-body cover (with taped seams and integrated attached hood), hat, gloves, map of the route, compass, whistle and emergency food].
QR Codes – quick link to MapRun courses
If you have the MapRun app installed you can scan these QR codes with your phone camera to load the course you want quickly.
Each competitor will be issued a ‘dibber’ (timing chip) that will be attached to the wrist. It must remain attached to the wrist until you have finished on Sunday. Each control has an electronic box with a number on it. Your dibber is inserted into a hole in the top of the box until it flashes and beeps (this takes less than a second) which means that your visit to the control has been successfully recorded. One beep or flash is sufficient. If the unit does not flash or beep, please insert your dibber and try again and if still unsuccessful, make a note of the 3 letter word written on top of the box. Both team members must insert their dibber.
Your dibber will be issued at Reception and will be pre-cleared. On Day 1 you insert it into the Start control box at the Start. On Day 2, just before the Start, your dibber will be cleared. You insert your dibber into the special clear station for about 5 seconds until it beeps. Once the dibber is cleared you move on to the next stage where the dibber is checked.
Finally, you get to the start, where you again need to insert it into the Start control box, as on Day 1.
At the Finish there will be a control box at the finish line where you must dib again to record your finish time. You must not enter the run-in without your partner. You must be together when you cross the line. You must then go to the download station.
With the Saunders Mountain marathon only a little more than a month away, we caught up with Dr Bodil Oudshoorn, inov-8 footwear product manager, for some tips on footwear for the event.
What do you look for in your shoes during a mountain marathon?
In multi-day events like the Saunders, medium-to-wide fitting shoes are usually preferable. They give you a better long-day comfort, especially on the second day when your feet can be swollen from the previous day’s heather bashing. This can vary from person to person though, so if you always enjoy a snugger fit for more stability, then don’t let me deter you!
When you think of mountain marathons you tend to think pretty quickly of Steve Birkinshaw. The gentle man of steel, most famously known for breaking the thirty-six-year record for the Wainwrights round. So who better than the man himself to give us all a few tips on what to expect from a mountain marathon. Look out for Steve at this year’s start line, he has a new team this year.
1. Choose the Right Partner.
You are going to be spending thirty-six hours in really close proximity to this person, often when both of you are really tired and possibly emotional. I have known of good friends who have fallen out over the course of a weekend and conversely partners who had never known each other before who have become best friends.
I think the most important consideration in choosing a partner is picking someone with similar (realistic) aims. This might be to finish a course, aiming to be in the top half or trying to win.
If these aims are different there will immediately be a source of conflict. The next most important factor is someone of a similar overall speed, ideally with a similar speed over different terrain. But this is not essential and it can be overcome using point 2. I’ll be running with my son this year, that could be fun!
2. Work as a Team.
It is obvious, but the aim is to get round together as fast as possible. It is definitely not for one member of the team to show they are faster than the other.
I have seen someone running fifty metres in front of their partner turning round and shouting at them to hurry up. This person should not be running in a Mountain Marathon as one of a pair. Good teams will transfer food between the rucksacks to even out their speed.
The rules are a bit ambiguous but the top teams will also often swap a rucksack so that one member of the team carries both for a while. One team I know had one member carrying both rucksacks up the hills and the other both rucksacks down the hills.
In mainland Europe a bungee to pull the slower member along is also popular. You also cannot expect your partner to know if you are going through a bad spell; you need to talk to them and let them know (but never whinge all the time about being tired).
The stronger partner should look after the one who is suffering at the time, whether this is taking the lead in navigation, feeding them food, collecting water or putting up the tent/cooking at the overnight camp.
Remember having fun and coming back friends is better than a podium.
3. Training
The terrain in Mountain Marathons is normally off the tracks through really rough stuff. If you have only ever run on trails or fell paths you can expect to struggle over Mountain Marathon terrain.
If it is deep heather or tussocks you need a high knee lift to get over the terrain and can expect to fall over a lot. The important thing is to find something similar and train by running over it (I think this is much more important than getting used to running with a rucksack – although this is also useful).
If you think there is no suitable terrain nearby then try going orienteering. The terrain on the longer orienteering courses always goes through some really rough terrain wherever you are in the country. One-day mountain navigation events are also great training.
4. Kit Preparation
All Mountain Marathons have mandatory kit lists. The first thing I do is get together the lightest piece of kit I own that satisfies the requirements. Then I add kit or substitute in more robust/heavier kit focusing in on what I actually need.
I am really competitive and I am happy to ‘rough it’ for the weekend so I will generally take very little additional or heavier kit. In a summer Mountain Marathon like the Saunders I will often take nothing extra. Roughing it isn’t for everyone though.
Shoes are crucial and they should have been ‘worn in’ but also with lots of life left in them. Running kit should also have been tested over long days before the actual Mountain Marathon. I once wore some new shorts where the line of stitching rubbed really badly and it was a very painful weekend.
I know this is obvious but make sure you know how to pitch your tent, the end of a long day of running is not the time to figure this out. Also do not get carried away with reducing weight – you will need more than the two matches I once took!
5. Dry Kit
On the first day it is vital your sleeping bag and spare clothes stay dry. They should stay dry even if you have to swim across a river (I was quite happy the OMM in the Lake District in 2008 was cancelled overnight because I did swim across a river and my sleeping bag was not dry as a result).
Nowadays my sleeping bag goes in a lightweight dry bag and my dry clothes go in large freezer bags (double wrapped). A lot of people take dry socks and plastic bags to put over them so they can walk around the overnight camp with dry feet – it certainly makes the overnight camp more comfortable. These days I do not bother doing this, I walk around the overnight camp with my wet shoes on bare feet then just before the start of the second day I put my wet socks from day one back on.
6. Chafing
A great weekend can easily be wrecked by chafing (I have had a couple of very painful weekends). I use Vaseline around my inner thighs and also on my lower back (where the rucksack rubs) but other people use different lubricants to prevent rubbing.
As a result of painful experiences I now always have some spare Vaseline in an old film canister.
7. Water
If you are out for seven hours plus you need to drink lots of water.
I have a plastic cup which I use to drink from streams as I go past. Other people have small water bottles which are filled up and drunk on the next climb.
On every Mountain Marathon I have done in the UK there have been plenty of upland streams and I have always drunk from them without treating the water and without any problems (if you are concerned with the water quality then there are bottles available with filters).
I do not understand people who spend lots of money to make their kit slightly lighter and then carry two litres of water (which weighs two kilograms) with them.
8. Food
Food is a very personal thing. My obsession, as always, is to avoid extra weight, which means avoiding carrying anything with any water in (added weight with no calories) – so I never take gels on Mountain Marathons.
Some dehydrated meals also have some water left in them – check the ingredients.
Having the right amount of running food is really important but hard to get right. You do not want to be going short but do not want to carry any extra (apart from emergency rations) at the finish.
I know the number of bars or amount of Kendal Mint Cake I need per hour. I usually eat just before a stream crossing so I can wash the food down with water and then get an energy boost up the next hill.
9. Cramp
I often used to get bad leg cramps at some point on day one of a Mountain Marathon but very rarely on day two. It seems my body somehow adapted by the second day to avoid cramp (do other people find this?).
I have read a lot of articles about the causes of cramp and over thirty years tried lots of ways to avoid getting it.
For me (it might not work for other people) the best option is to take regular electrolyte tablets with the water I am drinking from streams but even then I sometimes feel cramp coming on. Then I get out my little plastic bag with some normal table salt in it and lick some of this.
This article (http://www.irunfar.com/2013/07/cramping-my-style.html) I found really useful.
10. End of Day One
The end of day one is not when you cross the finish line but when you have the tent up and you are cooking your first meal.
If the weather is bad it is important to get sorted as soon as possible (you can get very cold very quickly as soon as you stop moving).
The first thing is to decide where to pitch the tent (my next tip). Then put it up as quickly as possible and get changed.
I put on my dry top and bottoms. Then my running top on top of my dry top and shorts on top of my dry bottoms (the running top and shorts will be wet from sweat or rain but they will gradually dry overnight as I am wearing it).Then I put my waterproofs on (or back on). Water I collect from the river in the dry bag which I had my sleeping bag in.
I spread bubble wrap and survival bag along the bottom of the tent so any water does not come in. While I am doing this I will also be eating some crisps and a bar.
11. Tent Location
Twice I have selected the wrong location for the tent and had to endure a wet sleeping bag for part of the night. A cold horrible experience that I am determined to make sure I do not suffer from again.
The first time it was in a grassy gulley that turned into a stream channel when it rained. The second was a fairly flat field but the tent was in a slight hollow that filled with water.
Now I am very careful to select a site where any surface water will not drain through or accumulate in – it also wants to be fairly flat as well as looking at the weather forecast to see if any rain is expected it is also worth looking at the wind direction and speed.
A sheltered point near a wall or between other tents is worth looking out for. Depending on what the ground underneath the tent is like it is often more comfortable to sleep head to toe rather than both having your head at the same end.
12. No Faffing
Lots of teams spend time standing still while eating and drinking or discussing route choices (this seems to be particularly common at checkpoints). In my opinion this is wasted time.
To do well, food and drink should be consumed and discussions had on the move. The best time is while walking up hill.
The top teams are always on the move. The only good reason to stop is when you are unsure about the navigation.
13. Know the rules
It is important to know the rules and follow them.
Rules such as exactly what kit is needed (and if you are allowed to throw spare kit and rubbish out at the overnight camp), whether you have a specified start time or if you can cross fences.
It can be really annoying or lead to disqualification if you get these wrong.
I have been disqualified when my partner lost the timing dibber in a Mountain Marathon, a hugely disappointing experience after running your hardest over a weekend.
13½. End of Day Two
Having crossed the finish line the first thing to do is to hug your partner (or shake their hand if you are more constrained), congratulate them on finishing and thank them for a good weekend.
This is particularly important if your Mountain Marathon partner is also your girlfriend/boyfriend/wife/husband! And maybe even son.
Then enjoy the chance to sit and relax.
Steve Birkinshaw is author of There is No Map in Hell, which is available at 20% off post free direct form the publisher.
Refunds if Competitor Cancels Entry
Up until 1st April, teams can withdraw and we will refund the entry fee and the costs of any T-shirts purchased, less an admin fee of £35 per team. Refunds are not available in any circumstances after this date, but team members (one or both) can be substituted by the entry owner any time up to *am on the Monday before the event.
Deferrals
We are not able to offer deferral of entry to following years in any circumstances, unless it is necessary for us to postpone the whole event until a subsequent year
Refunds on Event Cancellation
If we are unable to stage the event for any reason then we will refund all entry fees in full or offer deferral to a future event.
Team / Course Changes
You can change partner, and/or course up until midnight on the Sunday before the event by editing your entry in SiEntries yourself (provided there is space available, you meet the age requirements and you have the necessary experience).
Collection of T-shirts
Commemorative T-shirts purchased can be collected at the event HQ. If you are not able to make it to the event and have purchased T-shirts then these will be sold and proceeds donated to the Mountain Rescue services
Conditions of Entry
Your entry into the event will be considered to be your acceptance of the entry conditions.
Many thanks to all who contributed. These comments are really valuable and even those of us who have completed many Mountain Marathons picked up new tips.
Don’t carry too much, train and enjoy! Try a low-key orienteering event. Tell your partner you may get cross with each other but it’s only temporary. Look out for how each other are feeling, encourage them to eat/drink etc. Keep checking in with each other and keep a sense of humour!
Don’t start too fast or worry about placing well but just enjoy
A Mountain Marathon is a navigational event taking place in high and rough ground where competitors, make their way between a series of specific checkpoints over two days, with a break at an overnight camp. Competitors must carry all the equipment necessary to camp, feed themselves and cope with adverse weather conditions. A Mountain Marathon is race, but not in the conventional sense. Each team starts at a different time, but it is still the fastest team that wins.
Mountain marathons generally have two types of format and competitors choose which they prefer when entering the event. A “line” course requires visiting a series of checkpoints, usually between six and 10 of followed in a set order with the competitor choosing the best route between each checkpoint. The winner is the person or team with the fastest combined time over the two days. The other format is known as “score” and in this case the competitor has to choose which checkpoints to visit within a certain time. Different checkpoints have different points allocated to them. The objective is to plan a route so as to obtain many points as possible during the time allowed. Penalties will be imposed for overrunning the time allowance.
We asked 2018 competitors to let us know if there was something , other than Mandatory Kit that was particularly useful, or something they didn’t take but wish they had taken.The list turned out to be a lot longer than expected!
Sun cream
A wide brimmed sun hat
Sun block
Midge head net
Water filter
Water purification tablets
Blister specific plasters
2L water container
Cap with neck cover/flap
Glasses with prescription for reading
Vaseline
Spare running top and socks
Buff to wet and put round neck for cooling.
Jelly Babies
Lightweight cap with visor
Electrolyte tablets
Inflatable pillow. Hardly any weight and a better night’s sleep.
Vaseline
A gas stove extended foot, so much safer than just the canister on the ground.
Flapjacks
Long handled titanium spoons for eating overnight food
Tampons
A collapsible cup for scooping water out of streams whilst on the move.
Pillow and earplugs
Phone for decent pictures – pleased you now allow this in the rules.
Midge net
Toothbrush and paste.
Ultralight walking poles
Sleeping mat
Duck tape
A meat and potato pie for Sunday breakfast.
A white peaked hat, purchased at the last minute
Tissues
Flip flops
Ibuprofen
Altimeter
Tick remover
Plastic foot bags.
Rum
Tea bags
Swiss army knife (climbers model) and duct tape
Sun cream
A small flexible cup to grab a drink often whilst running
Sun hat with wide brim all round
Zip lock plastic bags as water carriers at camp
A crossword puzzle for Sat evening
A bottle of wine for the overnight camp, decanted into a plastic water bottle which reverted back to its main function (water) on Sunday
Many thanks for all the positive comments from those who completed our survey. Thanks also to those who made suggestions for improvements-we have added them to our list of things to consider for next year rather than publish here. From the 2018 event:
“Great introduction to mountain marathons in delightful scenery” – Thomas Hague
“The SLMM would be a great first event for a family or friend pairing. It’s very well organised and friendly, with the bonus of being able to pre-order drinks for the overnight camp. The courses offer a great challenge in beautiful scenery”. Nickcompass44
“High quality event organised by people who know what they are doing and who do it well” John Coon
“Don’t underestimate the navigational aspects of the course – this is something that always gets me. Most importantly, see the SLMM as a great weekend out – the atmosphere is always lovely and the banter fun. It’s an event for everyone, with such a wide range of entrants and fitness levels. I was cynical, but now I’m hooked (and sore…)” Imogen Jones
“As I first time competitor I was quite worried that I would be too slow and would need to run the majority of the course. I found the course I entered to be really enjoyable, incredibly friendly and within my ability. Definitely a brilliant introduction to Mountain Marathons (although the weather was a great help!!)”Roz
“2018 was not only my first Saunders but my first mountain marathon as well. I’m told the weather is as sunny as that every year… It was a joy from start to finish – low key but very efficiently organised, with lovely people, an absorbing score class in Fairfield and the backdrop of the Lakes in blisteringly hot conditions to add to the challenge. The overnight camp was huge fun and everything we needed to recover just enough to do it all over again the following day. I’ll definitely be back, hopefully with either my son or daughter to do Bedafell or Carrock as they would enjoy the whole experience, Who knows, it may even be sunny next year! Thanks” Alan Dorrington
“A really friendly event in such a beautiful part of the country. Great community feel”. Paul K
“First time at the SLMM 2018 loved the event, well organised and challenging highly recommended”. Shaun Boorman
“The best mountain marathon in one of the most spectacular places in the UK”. Sharon McDonald
“Excellent, friendly, well-organised mountain marathon” – Ian Hamilton
“I think the S.L.M.M. is truly a unique and great event, but I may be biased as I have done the last 30 of them, including planning the 2013 event. The Lake District is a wonderful area and it is truly a privilege to compete in this event at this time of year. I have seen many changes over the years and the event continues to evolve, at pace over the last two or three years, to keep it up to date, but also to keep the traditional “feel ” going, did someone mention beer?. There is simply no better way to spend two days in early July than doing the S.L.M.M., and now that it is a “not for profit Community Interest Company”, there’s even more reason to support this great event and this wonderful part of the country, can’t wait for next year. See you there” Brian Layton.
“A fantastic 2 day event. Well organised and great fun” David Oldfield.
“SLMM is the best weekend away – it’s totally absorbing, it is always in upliftingly lovely countryside and whatever was only your mind at home is quickly forgotten. ”Amanda, St.Albans
“The Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon is an excellent event, well organised by friendly volunteers and gives an excellent challenge”Ian Sayer
“The Saunders continues to be a well-run, friendly event in excellent terrain. Thanks to all of those involved in putting the event on. See you next year”. The Hindles
“What a fantastic event, and what cheerful volunteers. The terrain was great and the organisation outstanding. Thank you to all the people involved and I will definitely be back next year!” Jacques Penderis
“Great event! First daytime MM and loved it. Can’t wait to come back for more. So well run! “Chris Barnard
“Great event that tests your navigation skills and endurance” Mark Lath
“The SLMM has the uncanny knack of making running with a pack up hill over difficult terrain following a compass bearing a pleasurable experience!” Jon Griffiths
“Two years ago I decided to run a mountain marathon and began looking around for the perfect one. The SLMM was the first event of this type that my dad ran (40 years ago) and it felt right that I should enter the SLMM in its 40th year. It was hot, intense but thoroughly enjoyable. Wansfell provided an excellent introduction for me, I’m already hooked and marking this event on next year’s calendar! Thank you to the event organisers and supporters who were brilliant.” Sally Parkin
