http://www.grough.co.uk/view/2008/10/25/hundreds-stranded-as-floods-hit-mountain-marathon/ This is an interesting one to give a good account
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 The first podcast recorded at the event is now live for those who missed it!! Part two will look at the media coverage and try and put some facts into the myth!
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 Just listened to the podcast Bob - an excellent piece, even with the sounds of the hooly blowing you around. Made my damp walk on the south coast feel like a doddle this morning in comparison 
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The big one - The Media Storm in a Teacup! - Now Live! Includes interviews with;
Charley Sproson - Re media comments.
Jeremy Vine - maker of one of the video clips used by the BBC.
Mark Weir - I think we all know who that is!
Mark Hodgson - Team leader - Keswick Mountain Rescue.
Lucy Harris - Who was at the mine all afternoon.
Mike Parsons - OMM Head Honcho.
It's been a week's work, but draw your own conclusions from the comments made from those interviewed.
PS: The BBC were also approached for feedback and comments, ("No comment - you need to speak to our Press office") re the reporting standards and lack of facts. No reply as yet .... but I have noticed this week, numerous headlines associated with the on-line reports have been 'updated'. Have you?
Get it here >>> http://www.theoutdoorsstation.co.uk/html/audio_podcasts.html
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 I noticed some 'updating' too... and as I was checking links to and from various websites... I could see where the BBC were 'stealing' all their information from in bits and pieces. So, still a case of 'cut 'n' paste journalism'. A shame they couldn't actually put a decent and honest person out on the hill to do a decent and honest bit of reporting.
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Ooo .. oOo .. oOo ...pick me .. pick me .. pick me  )
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The last thing the BBC ran as a 'story' was a report on the Justgiving fundraising page that had been set up to raise money for the rescue teams in the Lake District. Of course, it was clear that they hadn't spoken to anyone, anywhere, to tell that 'story', but just copied whole wodges of text from the Justgiving site.
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Over an hour later... Thanks for your level-headed research and questioning Bob. I was most interested in what your mountain rescue contact had to say, and at last I understand how the call-out was made, and what the rescue teams were really doing out there. I hope the OMM goes where the media can't reach them next year, then the first anyone will hear about it will be when you launch your podcast!
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Cheers Paddy, appreciate your time listening to it and the feedback. I hope it gives a fuller picture, than the one already presented.
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 Just listened to both extended podcasts. Fascinating how the rescue effort was fuelled by a businessman who fuelled the media. The businessman is no fuel, he can seize a chance! Thanks for an entertaining, well researched and balanced report Bob. ....or is it John?
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| Edited: 03/11/08 18:12 |
 I assumed Bob was working undercover in that part of the podcast!
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 Only just caught up with this thread. A few things that have been touched on but I couldn't see answers (so sorry if this has already been covered) "The Police and MRT warned in advance that the event should have been cancelled." The OMM organisers have said that no such Police advice was given, and the Police have gone extremely quiet on the subject. The MRT would never give such advice, and have stated as much in their response to this claim. Bad Weather courses were indeed used. But more than that, the bad weather courses were themselves shortened further, and the time-limited Score courses were shortened by an hour. It's been claimed that not everybody who entered was experienced. When you apply, you have to give details of your experience, if you said "None" you wouldn't get a place. So everyone has some relevant experience, or has lied on their application form! But whatever experience people did or didn't have, virtually everyone was well aware of their limitations. Several teams decided that conditions were too bad and opted not to start at all. Several started but turned back within an hour or two. Those of us that continued were more than happy to do so, and were mostly disappointed to learn of the cancellation! Finally, erosion. It's already been said, but most courses and route choices go nowhere near established paths, and their contribution to erosion is therefore negligible. And anyone who was up there and saw the knee-deep rivers and waterfalls that are normally footpaths wouldn't worry too much about the additional affect of a few hundred pairs of running shoes! Oh, and a quick reminder: http://www.justgiving.com/theomm08-mrtdonation
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