Known initially as ‘The Karrimor’ this two day mountain marathon began life back in 1968 and within a couple of years it became the KIMM (Karrimor International Mountain Marathon) the obvious implication being that it was sponsored by Karrimor, the UKs leading rucksack manufacturer at the time. A guy called Mike Parsons owned Karrimor back then, he was a keen fell runner so could have some fun competing in an event he sponsored and some good advertising helped on the business side of things.

One of the many spin-offs from the race was the development of lightweight gear as competitors had to carry all their gear with them, including for an overnight camp. The ever innovative Mike Parsons was busy working on lightweight clothing along with his pal, and gear tester, Ken Ledward. Here’s what Mike had to say about the jacket we have here in the collection 35 years later!

“This took some thinking and file research!

An early version of the first specialised waterproof jacket for runners, later named the ‘Kamleika’ waterproof jacket; probably produced early 90’s. Designed by Mike Parsons, sold by Karrimor, under the KIMM brand with the original KIMM logo, before the change to OMM, Original Mountain Marathon for the 2008 event.”

The Kamleika was kindly donated by Dave from St Helens who wore it when he did the KIMM at Langholme in the Scottish Borders in 2003.

PS This is an original Kamleika made by Karrimor. The OMM (Original Mountain Marathon) brand make modern version (2026).