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Our local running clubs
Saddleworth Runners
An incredibly active local running club who focus heavily on off road running and organise many fantastic events. Formed in 1981 and meeting in the Cross Keys, Uppermill, they are a highly sociable yet successful club that make new members welcome. Many of the Saddleworth Runners are active (and expert from what we've seen!) in a variety of other sports including climbing, sailing, paragliding to mention but a few...
www.saddleworth-runners.co.uk
Royton Road Runners
Royton Road Runners Club was formed in 2003 with 27 founder members, 10 runners braving a snowy February night for the first club run from Royton Cricket Club.
The club was officially accepted as an affiliated club to the Amateur Athletics Assocation in July 2003. Since then the club has gone from strength to strength, now boasting more than 60 first claim members.
If trail running only is your thing, don't be put off by the "road" part of the clubs title – they organise the annual Royton Trail Multi-Terrain Race and many of their members happily train and compete off road as well as on!
Si watched the 2008 Trail Race which started from the excellent Tandle Tavern, near Royton and was impressed with the calibre of the competitors, the organisation and the spirit of the race. Definitely one to do in the future...
www.roytonroadrunners.co.uk
Delph Donkeys Ladies Running Group
The Delph Donkeys Ladies Running Group was set up by fitness instructor, Caroline Fisher, in January 2005. Initially the group was organised as a beginner’s course to get complete non-runners running. It has now got various groups of different standards and many ladies attend on a casual basis and do their own running in between.
The name was chosen after the path which the group often runs on. The Delph Donkey runs between Uppermill and Delph and used to be a railway line. The trains on this line were pulled by a donkey – hence its name. The other reason for the group’s name is that although many of the ladies are not super fast, they all get there in the end!!
delphdonkeys.com
Major trail and fell running events
| Original Mountain Marathon (OMM) |
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The original incarnation of this iconic race was the famous KIMM, inaugurated in 1968. Held during the Autumn, the exact location remains secret until August. Competitors must carry kit and clothing for a Saturday night camp and the secrets to success are extreme resilience, fitness, great tactical navigation and the lightest equipment.
Lots of classes exist so that those new to multiday marathons can enjoy a realistic level of endeavour. |
| Lowe Alpine Mountain Marathon (LAMM) |
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The LAMM is another iconic two day experience involving a night out but takes place in June when weather and temperatures usually make for a less frigid night out than the OMM. |
Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon
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Another excellent two day event with a choice of classes for all levels of experience. Regarded by many as the ideal debut to multiday marathons and with a very friendly atmosphere. As the name implies, it's held exclusively in the Lake District and offers extreme terrain for tyros but easy and accessible options for those new to the game. |
| Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc |
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Are you mad enough for this Alpine beast? Several of our customer friends have been – congratulations to 'Army' Pete Holton, Euan McGrath and Tigg for successfully completing it in recent years. Commiserations to John Smith who made a valiant attempt but was eventually brought down by difficult conditions not far from the finish.
Sponsored by gear manufacturer The North Face, this is one of the most challenging running events on the planet involving a complete circuit of the 16,000 foot Mont Blanc in both France and Italy. During the event, competitors will complete over 100 miles and 30,000 feet of ascent!
Entries are hard to come by and highly sought after. For a couple of accounts of the race, go to our News & Articles section. |
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