Principles of Fell Running

Latest results




Races coming up...



The FRA Junior "Do" on 19 July has been cancelled

Tue 26th May, 2020


Owing to  Covid-19, the Junior Fell running presentation and celebration “Do” has been cancelled



Cancellation of the British Hill and Fell Running Champions 2020

Wed 13th May, 2020


Having left our options for a while, we regret to announce that the 2020 British Championships will not be completed. Due to the current pandemic we are unfortunately bound by ongoing restrictions and safety concerns.
 
Stay safe all.
 
Jude Jepson
On behalf of MRAG.


Mountain Navigation for Runners - Martin Bagness

Thu 7th May, 2020


The FRA are hugely indebted to Martin Bagness, Harvey Maps and the OS (HMSO) for their kind permission to publish an online copy of Martin's timeless navigational skills booklet, "Mountain Navigation for Runners", for all fell, hill and mountain runners, and coaches.

To read the full story and access the book, please click here



A message from inov-8:

Fri 1st May, 2020


We would love to help out our local community in the South Lakes at this challenging time.
 
We have our events van at the Staveley office and some very willing drivers at the ready. If you know of any families, individuals or organisations who could use a helping hand with collections/deliveries/shopping etc - we’d love to assist! Please email [email protected] so we can get the wheels rolling! 
 
Ps Just so you both don’t worry - I am not inflicting my driving on anyone! Two of my colleagues and our COO Michael Price, are going to be doing the driving.
 
Thanks so much,
 
Tory


World Long Distance Mountain Running Championships

Mon 20th Apr, 2020


UK Athletics have announced a change to the trial race for the 2020 World Long Distance Mountain Running Championships. Latest details are available here



National Three Peaks Stair Climbing Challenge

Tue 7th Apr, 2020


Social distancing has given us a once in a lifetime opportunity to race over the iconic National Three Peaks from the comfort of our own home. 
 
As an individual, or as a team of three, or six, you will climb and descend a total of 3406m, being the combined height of Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scafell Pike.
 
UTC South Durham, a STEM-focused school and sixth form for 14-19 year olds with a strong technical and academic focus, are currently producing PPE visors to be donated to key workers.  We have had orders for thousands of visors, and are currently scaling up production to meet demand.  All proceeds from this event will go towards visor production, with any surplus being donated to other charities closely linked to supporting individuals affected by Covid-19, our only costs are 1.5% +VAT which SI Entries is charging to cover credit/debit card fees, this is a reduction from their normal rate of 5%.
 
Times and repetition count will be self-recorded and submitted following the event through SI Entries https://www.sientries.co.uk/event.php?event_id=7090
 
Andy Blackett, Durham Fell Runners


Race postponements

Sun 29th Mar, 2020


The calendar is updated with races that I have been told are cancelled - too many to list here.
Please note that UK Athletics have stated that races which go ahead during the shutdown will not be insured

Heptonstall, 29 March - POSTPONED to unspecified date
Exe to Axe, 5 April - POSTPONED to 27 September
Kong MM, 5 April - POSTPONED to 4 October
Wardle Skyline - POSTPONED to unspecified date
Newlands Memorial, Teenager with Altitude - POSTPONED to 7 November
Herod Farm, 22 April - POSTPONED to unspecified date
3 Peaks, 25 April - POSTPONED to 26 September
U18 International Youth Cup Selection, 18 May - POSTPONED to 19 September
U18 International Mountain Running Youth Cup, 20 June - POSTPONED to 17 October
Kentmere, 26 July - POSTPONED to 1 November

Dave Bowen, Fixtures Secretary



Advice/plea to Fell Runners: tread carefully.

Wed 25th Mar, 2020


There has been a lot of speculation about what is allowed (or not) under the current Government regulations and there are no definitive answers. There will always be folk who try to bend the rules to suit themselves but I urge you all to limit your activities to minimise even socially distanced contact with other people and to avoid any physical contact with gates, stiles etc.
 
I am lucky enough to live within striking distance of the Lake District and there is nothing I love better than ticking off Birketts and other high fells. During my six decades, I have required rescue and hospitalisation twice and both were as as result of simple slips on easy ground. It can happen to YOU.
 
We all need to adjust our behaviours and attitudes.
Avoid ANY unnecessary travel. Run/walk from home.
 
Thank you
Charmian Heaton
FRA Chairman
 
Advice/plea to Fell Runners: tread carefully.
Now more than ever is the time to think about others and yourself. We can all help save lives by thinking and being considerate. Running is important for many of us, especially now the UK is in lock-down. This is our chance as a community to show leadership, compassion and maintain and build our reputation as responsible outdoor users.
Many of us are already working overtime in the NHS and other key roles across the country. We ask you please to read and follow this advice:
Run for sanity not peak performance - there are no races in the near future.
• Maintain base,
• Let those injuries recover,
• Do that strength and conditioning work you’ve always put off!
• Keep in touch! We’ll all miss seeing our club-mates, well most of them, social media makes keeping in touch easier than ever, but the phones still work and not everyone is online.
Don’t be a casualty - the NHS is busy and mountain rescue and other emergency services are too.
• Now more than ever – do not run if you feel at all unwell. Headache, sore throat, persistent dry cough, temperature of 38 or above and loss of smell/taste are all documented symptoms of C19.
• Don’t go for long and/or strenuous runs – injury or heart attacks are best avoided!
• Avoid running on terrain where you may injure yourself (think about walking it) – Mountain rescue may not be coming to get you!
Kit Check - You are on your own.
• Take full FRA kit as a minimum
• Take enough food and drink; the café is shut, the pub is too 
Infection – keep your distance, and keep your hands clean
• Avoid other people outdoors where possible, go early or late in the day to avoid the crowds
• Keep your distance if you meet others out there.
• Think about gates, styles and anything else that people had their hands on. Imagine everything you touch is covered in pink paint! How do you prevent transferring it to other surfaces and users? How do you keep it off the rest of your stuff – keys, jacket, shoes, front door – wear gloves you can throw away or wash when you get home.
Route planning
• We love running but its non-essential: run from home
• As always, let someone know your route and when to expect you back. By text/phone if you live alone.
We all love the fells but the current situation means we all need to act differently. Other European countries have banned mountain sports and imposed 2km limits for all activities. Please let’s all be sensible and keep the access we still have. One news story about a ‘reckless fell runner needing rescuing’ could be the end for now.
 
Nicky Spinks: FRA Access and Environment Officer
Ian Winterburn: FRA member rep and Woodhead MR team member
Jon Morgan: Anaesthetist and Mountain Guide
Ian Fitzpatrick: NHS Nurse and FRA race organiser
Sally Fawcett: Physiotherapist and Strength and Conditioning Coach
Dave Bowen: FRA Fixtures Sec. and Buxton MR team member
 
 
Charmian Heaton
Chairman Fell Runners Association


Senior English Championships 2020

Mon 23rd Mar, 2020


To enable the race organisers to move on and make decisions without any undue pressure, the FRA have decided to cancel the Senior English Championships for 2020. We hope to be able to support the same races for 2021. The [email protected] race series is clearly suspended for the time being and may be extended into 2021 with scores accumulated to date still being counted going forward. Please look after yourselves and others in these challenging times. Thank you.



Coronavirus (COVID-19) - response to Government measures

Tue 17th Mar, 2020


In response to the Government's new measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic introduced on 16th March, the FRA has published an updated statement.



Races cancelled or postponed

Mon 16th Mar, 2020


I have been notified of the following cancellations/postponements due to Covid19.
Please note that UK Athletics have stated that races which go ahead during the shutdown will not be insured

Heptonstall, 29 March - POSTPONED to unspecified date
Maybeck, 29 March - CANCELLED
Guisborough 3 Tops, 4 April - CANCELLED
Moorhouse's Pendle, 4 April - CANCELLED
Five Trigs, 4 April - CANCELLED
Exe to Axe, 5 April - POSTPONED to 27 September
Kong MM, 5 April - POSTPONED to 4 October
Mow Cop, 5 April - CANCELLED
Bunny Runs, 7, 14, 21 & 28 April, CANCELLED
Loughrigg, 8 April - CANCELLED
Wardle Skyline - POSTPONED to unspecified date
Blakey Blitz, 19 April - CANCELLED
Caradoc Classic, 22 April - CANCELLED
Herod Farm, 22 April - POSTPONED to unspecified date
3 Peaks, 25 April - POSTPONED to 26 September
Tigers Trail, 29 April - CANCELLED
Buckden Out Moor, 2 May - CANCELLED
Wrekin Streak, 6 May - CANCELLED
Moorhouse's Pendle Cloughs, 9 May - CANCELLED
Kong MM, 9 May - CANCELLED
Cressbrook Crawl, 9 May - CANCELLED
Burbage Skyline, 12 May - CANCELLED
Mearley Clough, 12 May - CANCELLED
Meldon Madness, 16 May - CANCELLED
Roseberry Romp, 19 May - CANCELLED
Hayfield May Queen, 22 May - CANCELLED
Fairfield, 23 May - CANCELLED
Hutton Roof Crags, 23 May - CANCELLED
Bowley Hill, 25 May - CANCELLED
Austwick Amble, 25 May - CANCELLED
Ossy Oiks, 3 June - CANCELLED
Welsh 1000m Peaks, 6 June - CANCELLED
Passing Clouds, 7 June - CANCELLED
Danefield Relay, 3 June - CANCELLED
DCRO Dash, 10 June - CANCELLED
Oke Croak, 13 June - CANCELLED
Roman Wall, 13 June - CANCELLED
James Blakeley, 20 June - CANCELLED
Windy Gyle, 21 June - CANCELLED
Settle Hills, 21 June - CANCELLED
Blencathra, 4 July - CANCELLED
Kentmere, 26 July - POSTPONED to 1 November

Dave Bowen, Fixtures Secretary

 

Junior Championships

Kettlewell Kaper is postponed pending further discussions
Rivington Pike has cancelled both its senior and junior races 
Clough Head Junior Fell race cancelled


Edale Skyline, 22nd March - CANCELLED

Sun 15th Mar, 2020


Sadly the Edale Skyline Fell Race is cancelled due to the escalating Covid-19 outbreak. My main safety concern is for the throng in the village hall before and after the event, rather than the actual race. All competitors will be emailed soon, but in the meantime please pass the word.
Gavin Williams, Race Organiser


Chicken Run, 28th March - POSTPONED until 31st October

Sat 14th Mar, 2020


The Chicken Run has been postponed due to Corona virus



Three Peaks, 25th April - POSTPONED until 26th September

Fri 13th Mar, 2020


Because of the Coronavirus the Three Peaks Race has been postponed until the Saturday 26th September. Paul Dennison RO


Coledale Horseshoe, 28th March - POSTPONED to 24th October

Fri 13th Mar, 2020


Due to concerns over Covid19 the Coledale Horseshoe is postponed until 24 October. Entries have been closed, but those entered who can't make the substituted date will be given full refunds. Please bear with us as this may take a little time. Nick Ray



Middlefell race, 14th March - POSTPONED to 5th December

Fri 13th Mar, 2020


Concerns over Covid-19 virus have caused the postponement of the Middle Fell race, which was due to be held on 14th March 2020.
We have held discussions and this decision has not been taken lightly and the race is now being rearranged for Saturday 5th December 2020
Our main concern over the infection risk was the start and finish area for registration and the prize giving. All those who have already entered will be transferred to the new date. Anybody who is unable to compete on December 5th will be eligible for a refund of their Entry Fee. I would ask that people pass on this news onto anyone who may have intended racing. Please try to make the December date, and make it a real Winter Warmer.

Carol



8000th Member

Thu 12th Mar, 2020


As we approach the significant milestone of 8000 members of the FRA, we are delighted to announce that one lucky new member will be awarded a commemorative 50th anniversary glass plus a £100 inov-8 voucher to be redeemed at: www.inov-8.com
 
Many thanks to inov-8 who are one of our headline senior sponsors along with Pete Bland Sports.


Alderman's Ascent

Mon 2nd Mar, 2020


Entries for the second English Championship race at Saddleworth Alderman's Ascent on Saturday 16th May have now opened on SiEntries. Those who are on the Guaranteed Entry list   will then have until 11:59pm on Sunday 8th March to take advantage of their opportunity for prioritised entry.
 
Entries will then be opened up at 10am on Monday 9th March to FRA members only up to a total limit of 450 entries.
 
Entries for all remaining places up to an event limit of 600 will then open at 10am on Monday 16th March and a waiting list will be used if the event fills up.


Pipe Dream

Thu 27th Feb, 2020


Pipe Dream race (North Wales) is on this Saturday 29th February rather than 7th March 2020.



South Mynd Tour - change of time

Tue 25th Feb, 2020


Start time changed from 10am to 11am



FRA Under-23s Training Camp in Ambleside

Wed 19th Feb, 2020


We are pleased to announce a fell running training camp for our under-23 members from 17-19 April 2020 in Ambleside, sponsored by Kong Adventure (https://www.kongadventure.com/).

All FRA members aged 18-23 are invited to attend at a subsidised rate of £60 for the weekend, including two nights' accommodation in YHA Ambleside, breakfast and dinner, plus guided runs, nav training, and a Blencathra race route recce.

The weekend will be led by Sarah McCormack (FRA U23 coordinator) and Paul Tierney. For enquiries or to book a place, contact Sarah at [email protected].

 

 



FRA 50 @ 50 Race Series to celebrate the 50th Anniversary 1970 – 2020

Wed 5th Feb, 2020


List of races and results



Dick Hudson's race - date change to 7th May

Tue 28th Jan, 2020


The date of Dick Hudson's race has changed from 30th April to 7th May. All other details unchanged



Fell Runners Association 2020 - Senior English Championship Entries

Thu 23rd Jan, 2020


Entries for the first English Championship race at Guisborough Three Tops on Saturday 4th April will open on SiEntries on 1st February. Those who are on the Guaranteed Entry list (here) will then have until 10am on Friday 7th February to take advantage of their opportunity for prioritised entry.
 
Entries will then be opened up to FRA members only up to a total limit of 300 entries.
 
Entries for all remaining places up to an event limit of 400 will then open at 10am on Friday 14th February and a waiting list will be used if the event fills up.


Whaley Waltz - date change to 1st August

Wed 15th Jan, 2020


The Whaley Waltz is now on 1st August as the Whaley Bridge Carnival date has moved to coincide with the 1st anniversary of the Toddbrook Dam incident



Yr Aran British Championship race

Sun 12th Jan, 2020


The Yr Aran British Championship race is now full. Anyone on the guaranteed entry list has until midnight on Sunday 19th to get their entry in?
 
Many thanks
Jude Jepson 


Race date changes from Handbook

Sun 5th Jan, 2020


Kett Killer now 29th April (was 29th May)

Glarama now 17th May (was 24th May)



Guaranteed entries - British Championships 2020

Tue 17th Dec, 2019


Please find the 2020 British list here​. Note that priority has been given to those who have demonstrated evidence that they could be in contention for a medal. There will inevitably be some disappointed applicants but we are not able to answer individual queries unfortunately. 
 
Jude Jepson


Guaranteed Entry Under 23

Thu 5th Dec, 2019


Please note that for the Under 23 Category in the English Fell Running Championships, the eligible date is 31st December in the year of competition rather than the date of the race. So for an Under 23 to be included in the Guaranteed Entry list, they need to have been born from 1998 onwards. The minimum age to be eligible in Senior races is 18 on the day of the race.



FRA AGM - Draft minutes

Mon 18th Nov, 2019


The 2019 AGM of the Fell Runners Association Ltd took place on Saturday 16th November at Barley, Pendle. Draft minutes are available on the AGM page here.



Under 23. Changes for the 2020 English Championships

Mon 30th Sep, 2019


Entrants in the 2020 U23 English Championships may include one Long race amongst their three Championship 'counters'. In other words, they are required to run one Short, one Medium and one 'other' of any distance including Long.


Race Poster

Fri 26th Jul, 2019


The FRA have been considering how we can better educate all runners about the absolute no-no rules of fell running. Massive thanks to Jim Tyson from Ambleside who has come up with this poster which will be displayed at all fell races in the near future. Please take a moment to read and comply and help to keep this great sport safe and enjoyable for everone.



FRA Junior Championship

Thu 27th Jun, 2019


FRA Junior Championship- the hoody and t shirt shop is now open for business! Free t shirts for at least 4 races done, hoody for 6. Please note that because of the gap between the last race and the junior do, we're on a tight deadline for the hoodies orders. I'm discussing extending that but for now please proceed on the basis that you get your orders in immediately after the last race. Link to the shop



GPS devices for navigation

Sat 10th Nov, 2018


At a meeting in September, the FRA Executive Committee voted to introduce a new race category relating to the use of GPS devices for navigation.
 
This is not a cut and dried subject and throughout our discussions, the principles of fellrunning have been at the forefront of our thoughts. We have consulted extensively with our membership base and Race Organisers to arrive at the following position, which will form part of the FRA Requirements for Runners 2018 (the ‘Runners’ Rules’):
“If a race is classified ‘non-GPS’ (NG) then the use of any electronic device to delineate a route, to display current position on a map, or as a compass, will be prohibited. The use of such a device to display distance travelled, time, speed or altitude will be allowed, as will recording of an actual route for post-race analysis. If such a device is used in an emergency situation then that competitor should retire from the race and declare themselves non-competitive.”
 
For the avoidance of doubt, GPS is not allowed in FRA registered races in England unless the race is categorised as "G"; by the race organiser.
 
The Kit Requirements for FRA Races are further clarified in respect of the fact that maps must be on paper. A conventional compass must be carried in addition to this.
 
Happy running!
The FRA Committee


First on the Scene

Tue 25th Jul, 2017


What to do if you are First on the Scene of an incident on the fells -
essential reading here.


Welfare policy - Transgender and Anti Doping

Tue 28th Feb, 2017


The Committee have agreed that the FRA will be following the UKA policies on Transgender - http://www.britishathletics.org.uk/media/news/2016-news-page/august-2016/03-08-16-transgender-policy/ and Anti Doping - http://www.britishathletics.org.uk/cleanathletics/rules/
 
This replaces the item in the 2017 Handbook on P 24 Apps 3 and 4 and as previously set out in the Welfare policy - http://www.fellrunner.org.uk/documents.php The policy will be updated.


Welfare

Fri 13th Jan, 2017


Following the FRA committee meeting on 4/12/16 and in light of recent publicity surrounding historical sexual abuse at football clubs, the committee clarified that any allegations of a similar nature within the sport of fell running will be taken extremely seriously and investigated appropriately.

We have already liaised with UKA and an update and explanation of his role will be provided by the newly appointed Welfare Officer in the Spring Fellrunner.

Any enquiries should be directed to Ed Gamble ([email protected])