Mountain Marathon Preparation

The beauty of the Mountain Marathon format is the variety and complexity of it. By choosing your entry class you can choose your own level of challenge. The huge numbers of variables, such as equipment, navigation and route choice tactics mean that there is a whole lot more to these events than running fast.

Efficient and effective navigation is the foundation of a good Mountain Marathon performance. On this course we will develop your navigation skills, not just as hill walkers, but as runners and competitors. Honing our map-reading skills so that we pick up every important detail and adding to our repertoire of compass skills so that we can keep on track on the move.

With only the checkpoints to link, every team will take a slightly different route over the course. We will develop route choice strategies so that you choose the best option each time, based on the ground covered and the navigation required.

Critical to success in a Mountain Marathon is getting the right equipment. There is a fine balance between going lightweight and not having enough. We can look at different equipment and food options and where to save weight.

Based near Aviemore we have easy access to the mountains and a variety of locations that we can use for our training. This course includes two days of instruction and does not include accommodation or meals, allowing you the flexibility to choose your own.

2021 dates

Date	Price	Spaces	Booking
11 & 12th September	£150	Places available	Book now

If you can't wait, get in touch to arrange some bespoke training.

We are very proud to be an Official training partner for the OMM - Original Mountain Marathon

OMM

During the weekend you will use a unique custom map from Harvey Maps that is as close to your race maps as possible.

Experience and fitness

This course is designed to improve the mountain marathon performance of everyone involved, but is not in itself a race. Time on the hill will focus on skill development and challenging your navigation techniques, not your fitness. We will cover a reasonable distance and amount of ascent on the hill over the course of the weekend, but if you feel you have the hill fitness to enter a mountain marathon, this weekend should be fine for you.

If in doubt get in touch to discuss your fitness.

Kit you will need

We will be aiming for the mountains so we will have to be prepared to deal with everything that the mountains and the Scottish weather can throw us. Whilst we don’t want to be over burdened it is essential that every member of the team is carrying the correct equipment to deal with the unexpected. To ensure your safety the following kit list is therefore compulsory for each individual. Additional safety equipment will be carried by the guides.

Hat

Gloves

2 tops - 2 thin thermal top and a long sleeved warmer layer

Long trousers - Running tights to be carried if running in shorts

Adequate footwear - Fell shoes or trail shoes only

Waterproofs - Jacket with long sleeves and hood and waterproof or pertex overtrousers

Head torch - light weight e.g Petzl e-lite

Survival bag - lightweight survival bag, Blizzard blanket recommended

whistle

Compass

Maps will be provided

Food - Enough lunch and snacks to fuel a full day in the mountains

First aid kit – the guides will be carrying emergency first aid supplies but if you can have a small personal kit with blister pack/compeed and any personal medication.

Midge net.

If you have any questions or need advice about any of the equipment please just ask.