Principles of Fell Running

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British Relays 2020 - Update from Helm Hill Runners (Event Organisers)

Fri 24th Jul, 2020


Helm Hill Runners is continuing to prepare for the 2020 British Relays. We have secured a venue, made the necessary arrangements, planned the routes and have a team of volunteers ready to go. 
 
At the moment the event is planned to take place on Saturday 17th of October although, given the current circumstances, this has to be in doubt. We will continue to monitor events and make a final decision towards the end of August whether or not the Relays can go ahead. The decision will depend on Government advice at the time, and receiving the necessary approval from the FRA and UKA.
 
We do not plan to give out any further information regarding the event at this stage. All details will be made available if and when we get the go ahead. Please note that all the Legs will be flagged (apart from the Nav Leg!) so no teams will be at a disadvantage on the day.
 
In the event of the Relays being postponed we will advise you of the revised date as soon as possible. 
 
Thanks you for your patience…..whenever it happens, it promises to be a great day!
 


Junior Home International Selection Race

Wed 22nd Jul, 2020


Full details on the Junior page



Fellrunner magazine index now available

Wed 17th Jun, 2020


The FRA is indebted to Graham Breeze who has completed an astonishing piece of work to create an index of all the Fellrunner magazines from 1971 until December 2019.  This reference has been invaluable to me whilst looking back over the last 50 years and should whet the appetite of any members who fancy dipping into the history of fell running. So if you want to know which edition a particular article appeared in or you have an interest in a particular topic, you can find the index and a comprehensive introduction on the Fellrunner page.
So make a brew and settle down to enjoy some fascinating reading.
Charmian Heaton


Up and Down

Thu 11th Jun, 2020


Dales Active have recently digitised a full set of eleven editions of the Up and Running magazine which were published by Dave and Eileen Woodhead.  They make fascinating reading and can be found here



Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Thu 4th Jun, 2020


As restrictions as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic are eased, clubs are considering their options for a limited return to group activities. The FRA supports these initiatives and we have compiled the following list of points which we hope will help you to formulate a plan. Please consider local situations and sensitivities and stay safe.
  • Clubs should update their risk assessment to ensure that their planned activities are Covid-19 compliant.
  • Each group should nominate someone to carry a first aid kit and should consider any additional PPE which they may feel is relevant in case anyone should require first aid treatment at close quarters.  Government advice for first responders can be found here
  • It is strongly recommended that someone in each group should carry a mobile phone.
  • Consideration should be given to local mountain rescue advice.
  • Any meeting or parking location should be large enough to allow for social distancing and for participants to travel separately.
  • The planned route should avoid bottlenecks such as gates, stiles, narrow paths etc. to minimise conflict with anyone coming the other way.
  • The planned route should avoid honey pots where general members of the public could be made to feel uneasy or intimidated.
  • The planned route should be well within the capabilities of all participants.
  • Any group should be limited to no more than six persons.
  • Formal coaching can have a maximum ratio of 1 coach to 5 participants and simultaneous sessions are not allowed.
  • A second coaching session can take place once the first has concluded.
  • If anyone feels at all unwell or has been in contact with anyone displaying symptoms of Covid-19 they should not attend any group activities.

This relates to activities in England only at the current time



FRA Ambassadors

Thu 28th May, 2020


As mentioned in the recent Fellrunner the FRA is looking to recruit a number of ambassadors. The intention is to find an individual willing to represent each club. 
 
The focus of the role would be to act as a point of contact for the FRA and club members. In particular this might include;
  • Passing on key information sent out by the FRA. 
  • Advertising key FRA events within your club (Championship races, navigational courses etc). 
  • Encouraging membership of the FRA amongst Fell runners in your club. 
  • Reiterating safe practise and the key rules of racing. 
  • Answering queries and providing guidance for those new to the sport. 
The intention is that those taking on the role are passionate about the FRA and there is no criteria to be a committee member within a club. The role is intended to be extremely low maintenance with the main requirement being to pass on key communications made a few times a year. 
 
The list of ambassadors will be published on the FRA website and will need to include an email contact. This list will be reviewed once a year and individuals can withdraw from the role at any time. 
 
Those wishing to take on the role should comment below with their club or email Membership Representative James Lowe to express their interest.


Cancellation of the British Hill and Fell Running Championships 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



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.



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.


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

Wed 5th Feb, 2020


List of races and results



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.


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.



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])