The Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon (SLMM) is a two-day mountain navigation competition (or race) that is held annually in the Lake District for teams of two runners.
The event comprises 6 linear courses of varying lengths and technical difficult and one ‘score’ course where competitors choose which controls to visit over a 2 day total of 12 hours.
The first day finishes at a mid-way campsite. Competitors must carry the lightweight camping and safety equipment listed in the rules. Competitors need to be competent in the use of map and compass in the mountains. Many checkpoints require accurate navigation, which is even more important in misty conditions.
The Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon is organised by Lakeland Events Community Interest Company.
Any surplus generated , and not required for future events will be distributed to registered charities that support access to the mountain environment and the wellbeing of our competitors.
Mountain Marathon
Training
There are virtual Score Courses available for training at Staveley
Full details here
The Essentials
A Beginner’s guide to Mountain Marathons-please read before entering any event
A Mountain Marathon is a navigational event taking place in high and rough ground where competitors, make their way between a series of specific checkpoints over two days, with a break at an overnight camp. Competitors must carry all the equipment necessary to camp, feed themselves and cope with adverse weather conditions. A Mountain Marathon […]
Advice on Mountain Marathons from Steve Birkinshaw
When you think of mountain marathons you tend to think pretty quickly of Steve Birkinshaw. The gentle man of steel, most famously known for breaking the thirty-six-year record for the Wainwrights round. So who better than the man himself to give us all a few tips on what to expect from a mountain marathon. Look […]
Entry Fees for 2022
£75 per person £50 per person. Commemorative T-shirts £15 each Campervans/Motorhomes £10 extra Entry fee include:- A choice of 6 line and one score format courses Bespoke, high-quality, waterproof 1:25,000 pre-printed Harveys map for each team member A hot and hearty meal at the finish on Sunday with complimentary tea/coffee for- menu here Car parking […]
Prizes
The award structure will be as follows and apply to all teams on all courses (with the sole exception of Bedafell where there will be no vets’ prize), whether individual or pairs. 1st Male team 1st Female team 1st Mixed team 1st Veteran Team All trophies will be similar and of equal value and there […]
Refunds, Team changes and Deferrals
Refunds if Competitor Cancels EntryUp until 1st June, teams can withdraw and we will refund the entry fee and the costs of any T-shirts purchased, less an admin fee of £25 per team (pair or solo). Refunds are not available in any circumstances after this date but team members (one or both) can be substituted by [...]
Some reviews of the SLMM from competitors
Many thanks for all the positive comments from those who completed our survey. Thanks also to those who made suggestions for improvements-we have added them to our list of things to consider for next year rather than publish here. From the 2018 event: “Great introduction to mountain marathons in delightful scenery” – Thomas Hague “The […]
Videos
Short videos taken at the 2018 SLMM
The joys of a Summer Mountain Marathon
NEWS
SLMM 2022 FINAL DETAILS
KEY DATES Please note the dates and times below as they are firmly fixed. Your start time for both Saturday and Sunday will be within the 15-minute window you selected on entry. If you have forgotten what time you chose, then this can be checked when you EDIT MY ENTRY to complete your pre-registration. MIDNIGHT SUNDAY 26TH […]
Staveley Virtual Score Courses
Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon Virtual Score Courses-Staveley Mill Yard, LA8 9LR https://goo.gl/maps/5v9gT2Fm6nfc2Rd6A Current Leader boards 2 Hour Course 3 hour course 4.5 hour course 6 hour course HOW IT WORKS There are defined locations (‘controls’) with different values and the objective is to collect as many points as possible by visiting the controls within the […]
Full list of Trophy Winners
Score Course Fairfield Points Pairs F Becky Raftery + Laura Daniel 585 M Ian Jones + Jeff Powell Davies 725 VET Barry McElearney + Keith Masson 737 MIX Eleanor Johnstone + Jack Redvers Harris 755 Solos F Sarah Rowell 510 M Mark Clarkson 765 VET […]
2021 SLMM Race Reports from Officials
Report from Event Organiser and Race Director (submitted to Fellrunner Magazine) The 42nd Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon was held on 3/4th July in the North WestLake District with the event centre at Gatesgarth and the overnight camp at Seathwaite. Our thanks to Robert Wilkinson and Peter Edmondson respectively. The courses were planned by Julie […]
Catering Arrangements, including drinks at overnight camp
We have two catering firms present at the event, Podium Catering and Barrett Events. They will both be providing the Sunday meal which is in your race entry and the menu can be found here. Both firms will be catering on the Friday night and will take advance orders in online shops from next week […]
Advice on Saunders footwear from inov-8
Top footwear tips from inov-8 With the Saunders Mountain marathon only a little more than a month away, we caught up with Dr Bodil Oudshoorn, inov-8 footwear product manager, for some tips on footwear for the event. What do you look for in your shoes during a mountain marathon? In multi-day events like the Saunders, […]