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Marmot Dark Mountains™

25-Jan-2020 Wales, UK (England)

YOUR RATING

6 REVIEWS

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Mountains Race Race Terrain

55KM / 34Miles
1 Day

Alternate Distances: 44KM/27M 41KM/25M 36KM/22M

DIFFICULTY Race Difficulty Advanced

Entry From £75 GBP

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Marmot Dark Mountains™ follows the usual two-day mountain marathon format but condenses it into one winter’s night.

Elite, A, B, C and Score categories set off in pairs on a staggered start, the longer courses followed by the shorter ones, all hoping to converge back at the event centre as dawn breaks.

Live GPS tracking enables the organisers, alongside friends, family, and any other keen followers, to track the progress of the competitors through the night.

Marmot Dark Mountains™ has something for everyone; the Elite course to challenge the most seasoned of competitor through to the C and short score courses which would be suitable for a first timer (with suitable navigational experience).

We look forward to welcoming both new and old competitors to the Forest of Bowland in January 2019.

Images ©Steve Ashworth

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Event Organiser
Ourea Events

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Beginner

Elevation: Very little change < 500 metres. Benign running terrain, not technical.

Suitable for: First ultra runners completing a marathon or doing regular long distance running in the last six months.

Intermediate

Elevation: Increase of up to 1000 metres

Suitable for: Runners who have completed at least one ultra distance race (or similar event) or are doing long distance running (>26 miles) regularly, with elevation shown.

Advanced

Elevation: Increase of up to 1500 metres

Suitable for: Runners who have completed several ultra distances or similar events, or are doing long distance running regularly, with elevation shown.

Expert

Elevation: Increase of up to 2000 metres with some challenging climatic conditions (e.g. ice, snow, humidity or heat) and or technical terrain

Suitable for: Experienced runners who have completed at least regular ultra distances in last 12 months, or are doing regular long distance running (>50 miles) with elevation and conditions shown (where possible). Admission to these races may be subject to evidence of recent qualifying race participation and recent medical examination certificate. Check with the race organiser regarding entry requirements.

Brutal

Elevation: Increase of up to 2000 metres with very challenging climatic conditions (e.g. ice, snow, humidity, heat or at high altitude) and or technical terrain.

Suitable for: Very experienced long distance ultra runners (min 3 years’ experience) or are doing regular long distance running (>50 miles) with elevation and conditions shown (where possible). Admission to these races is often subject to evidence of recent qualifying race participation and recent medical examination certificate. Purchase of specialist kit is often recommended for these races.

Endurance - Multi-activity

Type: An ultra distance race including at least two of the following activities such as running, swimming, cycling, kayaking, skiing and climbing. It may also include different climatic conditions (eg ice, snow, humidity, cold water, mud or heat).

Suitable for: Experienced multi-skilled athletes who have trained for the different activities included in this event. Admission to these races may be subject to receipt of a recent medical examination certificate. Check with the race organiser regarding entry requirements and any specialist equipment required such as a wetsuit, skis or a mountain bike.

Global - Virtual

Type: A virtual race which can be run at any time shown on the dates shown, on any type of terrain in any country.

Suitable for: For runners from beginners to experienced as you choose your own course and challenge based on the guidelines and options set by the virtual race organiser.

Review Marmot Dark Mountains™

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Purpleautumn

08:55 30-01-19

2019 near Ullswater. Fantastic event. A mixture of physical and mental endurance and the ultimate navigation test. Top quality mapping and course setting. Highly profesdional outfit running the event. Thanks guys.

rbyde

10:48 04-03-18

January 2018

I let it late to enter, but am lucky to have the sort of friends who might agree to such an event at short notice. It was my first mountain marathon, but the thought of thrashing around on a dark hillside for hours had captured my imagination. My race partner had lots of experience, without which I might have found it all quite daunting.

As it was, I had an amazing time on the long score course. Most of the night was spent 'bounding' through knee high heather and hauling ourselves out of bogs. I learnt so much about how to navigate to little features on a dark hill!

The race director and volunteers did an amazing job and everything was very well organised, from a slick and thorough registration process, to a good veggie feed before and after our little run!

Highly recommended if you are after an adventure and a challenge to your navigation. This one tests not just your endurance, but how well you can manage energy and emotions as you race in difficult conditions when your body thinks you should be tucked up warm in bed!

Full report here:
https://planetbyde.com/2018/02/09/marmot-dark-mountains/

markevans68

09:11 02-02-17

Marmot Dark Mountains Jan 28th 2017:
Never done a Mountain Marathon before so doing one for the first time at night, madness or up for a challenge, well this was a Baptism of Fire for us.
We signed up for Course A as we did have navigational experience, but this is a new level. Fog and sleet/snow hampered us, throughout the night and a foot injury with my team mate meant that we had a DNF but with just over 64% DNF on the linear courses, we will take that and work on our navigation for next year.
Always looking for events to challenge us and this does tick all the boxes. One of the best race experiences ever. Great organising, fantastic marshals and staff at the event HQ and friendly competitors willing to share some knowlegde.
This is a must do bucket list event. We will be back in 2018 with an altimeter and light backpack.

Full report on my blog at https://dragonintraining.wordpress.com/2017/02/01/out-of-my-comfort-zone/

CatSlater

09:57 02-02-16

Absolutely awesome event, hesitant and nervous at first but with such great organisation and superb support from the team all fears were lost and thoroughly enjoyed the event. Definitely recommend it for anyone looking for something a little bit more challenging than your standard navigation race :-).

Ian Cumming

08:45 02-02-16

On paper some might think it's a bad idea blundering around in the dark up a mountain in January. Think again - it's a great idea and you feel so damn good for doing it. All in all a great event organised by great people. Cheers guys.

Damian Hall

11:32 02-02-16

This is impeccably organised, as anything run by Shane Ohly and Charlie Sproson and gang tends to be and had a great atmosphere. Haring it around in the dark in winter has a niche appeal, but I ruddy loved it. Cracking fun and a greta wya to freshen up your ultra running. Top cake too.

Marmot Dark Mountains™