Before getting in contact please check that your question has not already been answered below.
Q:During the event, can we take turns running up to the controls?
No. For safety and competitive reasons both team members must stay in contact throughout the event. In practice this means you cannot have one team member take a short cut whilst the other climbs up to a control. Some controls will be marshalled and marked as such on the control description sheets but there will also be secret marshals at some controls. Any team failing to visit a control together may be disqualified forthwith.
Q:Is transport available from Belfast on the Friday prior to the event and back to Belfast on the Sunday.
A minibus will leave the Belfast Europa Buscentre, (front entrance) at approx 8-30pm on Friday taking travellers to Newcastle and the Event Centre. It will return to Belfast on the Sunday leaving the Event Centre at approximately 3-30pm.
Q:There are several maps available for the Mournes, is there one recommended for this event.
The course has been planned on the 1:25,000 OSNI Activity Map of The Mournes. These are printed on "water resistant" paper or fully laminated and can be bought from any good online or local retailer - including our superb sponsors - Jackson Sports.
We no longer supply maps via the entry process.
Q:What is a a 1 season sleeping bag?
We chose a "1 season" sleeping bag as a MINIMUM safe standard. Combined with your clothing and hot food you should be able to survive a night in the Mournes in September without coming to harm. Beyond that, any need for comfort is up to individuals.
Standards vary between manufacturers but typically "1 season" means a lower comfort limit of 5degC (as defined by EN13537)
Q:Can I use a "Blizzard Survival Bag" as both sleeping bag and survival bag?
No - The Blizzard Bag is not rated as a sleeping bag and so is not suitable. However it does make a very good survival bag.
Q:How do I know what type of equipment to buy?
Some modern hi-tech bits of gear are reasonable replacements for bulkier and heavier "traditional" equipment. The key thing is that the safety functionality and performance of this gear must be at least as good as that of the gear specified in the rules.
There is so much gear out there that we can't possibly check it all out. If you are in doubt please contact us but bear in mind that we will err on the side of caution and may refuse some products if we can't be confident that they meet the grade.
Q:Is there a lower age limit for the event
Yes, the minimum age on the day of the event is 18yrs in the Elite and B Classes and 16yrs in the C and D classes
N.B.Juniors must be partnered by their parent/gaurdian and other conditions apply.
See Rules of the event
Q:What age qualifies as Vet category
Vet categories are shown on the event Overview section. The categories are calculated and are based on the combined age of both competitors as 90 or more. This is in line with other mountain marathons.
Q:Are bivy bags allowed for camping.
No. Not instead of a tent. Teams must carry a proper tent with sewn-in groundsheet: it must be manufactured as a tent and not as a bivy or something else.
One survival bag is ALSO required.
See Rules of the event
Q:What can we dump in the skip at the campsite?
Only waste food, packaging and gas canisters may be dumped at the overnight camp. EVERYTHING else must be carried for the 2 days. This is important for both safety and fairness. We will be monitoring this closely and there will be spot checks on equipment
Q:Can we use a GPS?
NO. GPS and any Satellite Navigation devices are forbidden. However, altimeters are allowed.
See Rules of the Event
Q:Can I use an altimeter
Yes but GPS devices are forbidden.
See Rules of the event
Q:What equipment MUST we carry?
See Rules of the Event section XI and XII for a list of obligatory equipment.
See Rules of the event
Q:Are there water posts around the course?
No. Teams are required to be totally self sufficient on the hills. Mourne stream water is commonly drunk directly but the quality is very dependant on location and weather. We recommend that you carry water or appropriate purification equipment. Drinking water will be available at the overnight camp although it may come from a spring.
Q:Do we have to have to have reserve fuel for cooking on the second day?
No. Teams are only required to be able to make a hot meal on the first day - either at the end of the day or in an emergency out on the course. All other cooking is optional although most teams will also make hot drinks in the evening and at breakfast the next morning.
Q:Can I bring my dog on the course?
NO. Sorry, but we don't allow dogs as it would complicate our relationships with the various landowners whose cooperation we rely upon.
There is also the potential for disturbance to other competitors at the, often, overcrowded campsite.
Q:Where does the event start and finish.
The event starts and finishes at the same place but the location is keep secret until close to the event. This will be announced on this website.
See Home
Q:Can we have a late/early start time?
If anyone has a burning need for a particular Start Time please let us know by email and we will try to slot you in as desired.
Q:I will be travelling by car, is there secure and free parking at the event site?
Yes. Parking will be free. The carpark will be secured overnight however parking is at your own risk. Neither the Mourne Mountain Marathon nor the event centre's owners accept any liability for competitors vehicles.
See Travel
Q:Is there somewhere secure for me to leave my spare clothes and wallet.
There will be an area to leave travel bags which will be locked overnight. However security is not guaranteed and competitors leave valuables there at their own risk. Neither MMM nor the event centre's owners will accept any liability for any lo
Q:If my partner drops out during the event, can I still finish on my own.
No. In no circumstances will a team member be allowed to continue along the course alone. You may be allowed to pair up with another individual however both teams will then be deemed non-comeptitive and times will not be listed. This is for both safety and competitive reasons.
See Rules of the Event
Q:What's a "mass start".
Everyone starts at the same time. On the second morning each class is started en masse with a gap of 10-15 min between classes. Please be sure to be ready to run and in the "corral" area before the start on time. The class WILL be started on time with or without you
Q:How will I know that you have received my entry.
Online entries are automatically posted on the Entries List page. Paper entries are processed and should be posted onto the Entries List within about 14 days. If you are concerned about your entry status AFTER August 1st please contact us.
Q:If one or both of us are unable to compete, can we get a refund.
Yes. See "Withdrawing your entry" on the Entries page.
Q:My partner has selfishly let me down. Do you know anyone else looking to team up.
Use the Forum message board to help people find partners (for this event only.!!) . If you are unsuccessful please note the rules about refunds. Good Luck.
Q:Where is the best place to stay on the Friday night?
Fro 2011 we have arranged for camping in a farmer's field near the Event Centre in Attical. There is also a Hostel in the village. See the Accomodation page for details.
Q:When will we get the results?
Final results will be posted on the website within a couple of days of the event. We hope also to publish results here during the event provided internet connectivity is available.
Q:Is there any transport on the Saturday morning
A bus will make one run from Newcastle to the event centre early on Saturday morning. The pick-up point and time will be arranged closer to the date.
The Sunday evening bus to Belfast can drop anyone in Newcastle if needed.
See Travel
Q:Can I camp at the Event Centre on Friday night?
NOT YET KNOWN
xxxTBCxxx The bus from Belfast will stop at Newcastle and at the Event Centre.
If requested it will also pick up at these locations for delivery to the Event Centre on Saturday morning. Please book a place on this bus using the Onward Transport Request form.
