Part navigation challenge, part fell running adventure, the OMM Lite offers a unique way to explore the hills.
After taking part for the first time, OMM Athlete Annie Garside shares her experience of the event – from planning routes and finding checkpoints to enjoying a more relaxed approach to racing.
Before the Event
What made you want to try the OMM Lite for the first time?
I was invited by OMM to take part in the OMM Lite, but I’d always wanted to do the OMM or a similar event, so this was a great opportunity for me. I love running in the hills, and navigation comes as part of that. It makes things even more exciting when you have to plan your route on the spot!
Before the event, what were your expectations of the format and the experience?
I had a rough idea of what to expect, as I do lots of other running events. We received an email with all the details beforehand, including our start time, so we knew roughly when to register and get to the start.
My partner, Ethan, who I ran with, has done other navigation events, so we had a good idea of how the scoring and navigation would work. Apart from that, we just winged it, which was fun!
Had you done much navigation-based racing or mountain marathon-style events before?
I’m a fell runner, so I have to navigate a lot in the hills, but I’d never specifically done any navigation races before. This was new to me, and I really enjoyed it!
First Impressions
What was your first impression once the event got underway?
The OMM Running Weekend had a great setup. We were really pleased to be directed quickly to a parking space right next to the event village. We then registered, and all the staff and volunteers were incredibly helpful and efficient.
We were given our instructions and map, then away we went! We made a quick plan and set off towards our first checkpoint. It was a great atmosphere, setting off surrounded by other runners taking part in various events, as well as the OMM team.
How different did the experience feel compared to a traditional trail or fell race?
The start felt very different for me. I’m used to fell races where a large group sets off at a ridiculous pace and you get dragged along with them (usually going too fast!). The OMM Lite had staggered starts because it’s a navigation event, which I really liked. It felt much more relaxed, and I didn’t feel the pressure I normally do when racing.
Throughout the course, I felt like I had more time to take in my surroundings and do some proper navigation, which can be difficult when you’re flat out in a fell race.
Was there anything that surprised you about the format or the atmosphere of the event?
The event was pretty much how I had pictured it. It was nice to experience such a chilled atmosphere both before and during the race.
Racing & Navigation
How much did the navigation side of the event influence the way you approached the race?
I didn’t put too much pressure on myself when it came to the navigation, as I saw the event as a good opportunity to practise ahead of the upcoming fell season.
My partner and I took turns navigating to each checkpoint, but we also enjoyed the running between them and didn’t get too caught up in trying to reach every single checkpoint.
Did you find yourself having to think differently compared to a standard marked-course race?
I definitely thought differently in parts of the race. In a normal fell race, everyone is generally heading the same way, so you naturally compare yourself to others and judge how far ahead or behind they are.
At the OMM Lite, people were heading in all sorts of directions and using different tactics, which made me think differently about how the race was unfolding. I actually really enjoyed that. Once we’d planned our route to the next checkpoint, we could just fly down the hills as usual, and it was so much fun!
Were there any moments where things didn’t quite go to plan, or where you had to adapt out on the course?
There were a couple of checkpoints that we didn’t find straight away, even though we were in the right area according to the map. We felt like we wasted a bit of time searching for them, but I think that actually made it more fun. It felt a bit like a treasure hunt!
What did you enjoy most about the challenge of the event?
I enjoyed the variety of checkpoints and the fact that some were high up on the fells while others were much further away. It added an extra challenge when deciding where to go and making sure we had enough time to get back without losing any points.
The OMM Lite Experience
What stood out most to you about the OMM Lite as an event?
I thought the organisation of the event village was excellent. It had a lovely family atmosphere, and it felt like everyone was there to enjoy a fun weekend that combined camping and running in the fells.
The communication leading up to the event was also great. Instructions were very clear, which makes all the difference when planning.
Did the event feel more about adventure and experience, or competition and racing – or a mix of both?
For me, the event felt more like an adventure, which was exactly what I was looking for.
My partner and I are both competitive fell runners, so I thought we might end up treating it very competitively. Instead, we took a step back and simply enjoyed the day. We still managed to finish as the first mixed team on the short course and third overall, which was a nice bonus!
Was there a particular section, checkpoint, or moment from the day that you’ll remember most?
I really enjoyed reaching Silver How and looking out across to Langdale.
We decided to head out and collect one of the 50-point checkpoints, and I’m so glad we did. We didn’t see anyone else there, and it was so peaceful and beautiful in the sunshine. It was the perfect way to spend a Sunday.
Kit & Preparation
Was there any piece of kit that proved especially useful out on the course?
I used my OMM waist belt, which was the perfect size for carrying the required kit, as well as some all-important snacks!
Did you learn anything during the event that you’d do differently next time?
I think we approached the event really well, making a rough plan as we set off. Next time, though, we might be a bit more ambitious and go for some of the furthest checkpoints, depending on the time limit.
Looking Ahead
What advice would you give to someone considering entering their first OMM Lite?
I’d say you don’t need extensive, or even any, racing experience to enter the OMM Lite. Just go for it and enter!
The navigation was a perfect mix of straightforward and more challenging checkpoints, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced navigators. Don’t overthink it; just get out there and enjoy a fantastic day in the fells with like-minded runners.
If you had to sum up your first OMM Lite experience in a sentence or two, what would you say?
The perfect stepping-stone event for anyone wanting to take part in the OMM.
Set in a beautiful location, with a friendly and helpful team of organisers, it offers a great mix of checkpoints and adventure, making for a brilliant day out on the fells.