THE KONG
MOUNTAIN MARATHON
1 DAY MOUNTAIN TRIAL IN CENTRAL SCOTLAND
EVENT CANCELLED DUE TO ACCESS ISSUES
2024 – OUR 2 DAY MOUNTAIN MARATHON IN SCOTLAND RETURNS
KONG MOUNTAIN TRIAL
Unfortunately we have had to make a difficult decision this weekend.
After recceing in Scotland and getting ready for the August Kong Mountain Trial, we have recently learned that we our access permission has been denied.
As this was already the 3rd area we were exploring in Scotland, we now feel there is insufficient time to arrange access to a new area to hold our race.
We have therefore made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Kong Mountain Trial on the 27th August.
We apologise for the inconvenience.
We are arranging a full refund of your entry fees with SI Entries. Please give us some time to arrange that.
Thank you for an amazing weekend on Arran!
We are very pleased how the inaugural 2022 Kong Mountain marathon on Arran has gone. The weather was absolutely amazing and we saw many big smiles. The routes were tough but good and everybody has been able to explore the beautiful island of Arran. A huge thank you to all the volunteers, Kong Running our sponsor, the land owners, the event centres teams in Brodick and Lochranza and everybody who has helped us to organise this brilliant race.
What is a Mountain Marathon?
The Kong Mountain Marathon is designed to test both orienteering and fell running skills in extreme wild country terrain in Scotland.
In our full 2 day Kong Mountain Marathon (back in 2024) teams of two navigates their way over the Scottish hills aiming to find a series of checkpoints as quickly as they can. Each team has to be self-sufficient and carry all their gear including equipment and food for an overnight camp.
In our new 1 day Kong Mountain Trial (27th August 2023) solo runners and teams (of two) will have a selection of linear and score courses. For the linear courses runners navigate to and follow a series of check points as quickly as they can. For the score course you determine your own route and find as many check points as you can within a set time. We will also offer a marshalled fell race for those who are less into orienteering navigation.
None of the courses are disclosed until you actually starts. The competition has a range of courses to suit different levels of fitness and navigational expertise. After your running adventure you will be able to share your experiences with fellow competitors at a hearty meal and prize giving .
History of Mountain Marathons in Scotland
Since the 1990’s there has always been a Mountain Marathon in Scotland and many people will have fond memories of the LAMM and the Highlander which are sadly no longer being organised.
We are two families – the Wainwrights and the Van Vroenhovens – who have organised Kong Mini-Mountain Marathons for the last 7 years. We are looking forward to the additional challenge of organising these bigger event and having a reason to explore pastures new in Scotland.
We are a Community Interest Company and organise these events as a hobby so that any proceeds from the event can support local charities and rural businesses as well as enabling people of a range of ages and abilities to enjoy challenging events in wild and beautiful places.
Kong Mini Mountain Marathons
Why not practice for the ‘big one’ – we are organising 4 hour Mini Mountain Marathons in Wales, the Lake District and the Peak District. Collect as many controls in 4 hours as you can with a hearty lunch and warm drink afterwards
Thank you to our Sponsor Kong Running!
Kong has a fantastic shop and climbing wall in Keswick and have been our sponsors for the Kong Mini Mountain Marathons for the last 5 years.
It is brilliant news they have decided to sponsor our Scottish Mountain Marathon. Paul, Lou, Chris and the team are passionate fell runners themselves and we are grateful for their support!
Partnership with the Saucony BAMM in Sweden
We are very pleased to have a partnership with the Saucony Bjorkliden Artic Mountain Marathon (BAMM) in Lapland, Sweden. The BAMM is one of the oldest races in the world and takes place in the Swedish mountains, above the Artic circle on the 11/12th August 2023.
For 2022 we welcomed a Swedish team to the Kong Mountain Marathon and similarly a British team will be presenting us at the BAMM in 2023.
