OMM Running Festival & Grasmere Gallop weekend goes from strength to strength
This weekend saw trail runners, fell runners, ultra-runners & orienteers come together in Grasmere in the heart of the Lake District for the OMM Running Festival & Grasmere Gallop.
The event is aimed at bringing together different types of runners and walkers whilst inspiring the next generation with a weekend of running & camping in the Lakeland fells. This year was saw record numbers in attendance, with 1300 competitors + 1000 additional friends & family camping on site.
The weekend saw the Grasmere Gallopers head out on stunning routes around Rydal Water, made all the more challenging in the baking heat. Whilst the OMM race competitors headed into the fells in search of checkpoints on their races.
The highlight of the weekend had to be the under 5’s teddy dash, with 80 toddlers & their teddies charging around a short course at the event centre.
Local support was out in force with Lakeland suppliers providing every element they could. Lakeland Orienteering set a tricky course around the village and after a scorching day on the trails competitors headed back to the sports ground for a fantastic music set from local musician Bailey Moore, excellent Lakeland food & drink, plus talks from local guides, experts & athletes.
In the races, Harriet Jackson & Duncan Archer were 1st female and male on the OMM Long Course whilst on the Short Course Ellie Mallinson, Rosie Williams and Charles Levitt found their way around the fells to take 1st place.
In the Grasmere Gallop trail races the competitors took on 5.7km, 10km, 17km & marathon courses. Both course records on the marathon were beaten with 40 minutes knocked off the men’s record & 30 minutes off the ladies, 4:10:38mins & 4:29:49hrs respectively.
Stuart from OMM said: “The event is run on not-for-profit basis & we love how it’s bringing together different groups & showcasing other disciplines.”
Gaynor from the Grasmere Gallop said: “We’ve already working on plans for new races & ideas for next year, watch this space”
All results & course tracking can be found on the website.
Highlight video from the event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twgZ-7-7JRs
Next year’s event will be held on the 1-2nd June 2024. Follow the OMM & Grasmere Gallop social feed for more information.
