Two former King’s pupils, Jake O’Donnell and Jake Porter (2025 leavers), have achieved an extraordinary sporting triumph by winning the B Class category at the Original Mountain Marathon (OMM) — known as the UK’s hardest mountain marathon and the gold standard in mountain challenges.
Held annually since 1968, the OMM is a two-day, self-reliant endurance race that tests competitors’ navigation, resilience, and mountain knowledge. Participants must carry all their kit for the weekend, including overnight camping gear, while navigating mostly off-path on very rough terrain using only a map and compass.
This year’s event took place in the Eastern Lake District, around Haweswater and the mountain High Street, and attracted some of the UK’s best ultra-distance runners. The pairing covered 45km with 2,200 metres of climb over two days, finishing in an impressive 7 hours 8 minutes to claim first place in their category.
With around 1,000 pairs competing across multiple classes, their victory is a remarkable achievement and a testament to their endurance, skill, and determination.
King’s is immensely proud of Jake O’Donnell and Jake Porter for this outstanding accomplishment and congratulates them on representing the school with such distinction.
