www.kimm.org.uk

Description
This is a stupidly hard 2 day race over the mountains somewhere in the UK. The original concept of the KIMM is that of a "2 day mountain marathon" and indeed the elite section continues to be more or less just that, around 80/84 km ( that’s 2 marathons!) for the two days, plus anywhere between 2 and 3000 m of ascent. In addition to the elite event there are six additional classes to the KIMM, A, B and C classes which are respectively, 65km, 50km 40km in length over the two days. The race typically takes place at the end of October, when it is usually sopping wet and cold, and more often than not is on mountains up North, but for a nice change, this year (2004) this lovely lovely race is coming to Wales and with a bit of luck, the Brecon Beacons, which are only 15 miles away.
Best bit of advice I can give anyone considering doing this for the first time – DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE DISTANCE – IT IS NOT SIMPLY A MULTIPLE OF A MARATHON DISTANCE – IT IS FAR FAR MORE.
To quote a seasoned ultra distance runner from Germany last year who attempted the Elite Class …..”if I had known how difficult this race was going to be, I would have attempted Everest first”

My KIMM races
I have competed in this race for 4 out of the last 5 years with my mate Andrew. We have always done the B Class, which is about my limit, but is well within Andrews capabilities. Year 1 (1999) we DNF’ed. My first ever DNF and was entirely due to me partly underestimating the distance, but to a greater degree underestimating the terrain. Year 2 (2000), we cracked it but came absolutely dead last in our class. But we did it, unlike some 30+ other teams. Year 3 (2002), we did it again and we weren’t last either. We even reached the overnight camp in daylight and had the delight of watching other poor retched souls come into the campsite, weary wet and knackered. Year 4 (2003) DNF’ed again – again it was down to me, but my ankles just couldn’t hack the underfoot conditions and we called it a day after 8 miles.
Now I am certainly no super hero, but I am stubborn as perhaps proved by completing 300 miles across the Yukon in the middle of Winter – so for me to call it a day after just 8 miles is in my opinion indicative of the severity of this race. If you have titanium ankles, you will do fine, but if like me, you have ankles made out of Marshmallow, you are neigh on stuffed before you start.

2004
I have felt guilty holding Andrew back over the years in this race and I have often said to him that he ought to find a different partner. I am gutted, this year the old git did, so I am teaming up with a new Partner, Tim Rial, and this time doing the (hopefully) more sedate C Class. Unfortunately, Andrew has gone and done his back in, so his plan has been foiled and he will have to content himself by watching progress of the race from his armchair (best place for an old bugger like him).

Further info
Anyone who wants a severe local (ie in this country) race, you really don’t need to look much further than the KIMM. It is addictive. Every year on the return journey after the race, I have vowed “never again” and each year come May time my entry once again flies through hyperspace to the race organiser. If you are interest, a lot more info can be found at www.kimm.org.uk