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The FRA's primary documentation for 2021 (comprising our rules, principles, mandatory requirements and entry forms) is now complete and available on the 'Documents' page. (Please note that there are no references to COVID-19 / social distancing; this topic is being handled separately.)
As a new initiative this year, we are publishing an annotated summary of the most significant amendments. Hopefully this will make it easier to assimilate the changes. This document is available here. (Race Organisers: this is identical to the version circulated earlier this month.)
The major changes (to come into force on 1st January 2021) include the following:
In line with the above changes, our "absolute no-no" offences now include (i) using someone else's FRA membership or membership card (to gain cheaper or preferential entry) and (ii) using GPS (or equivalent) for navigation or positioning.
More details are available in the 'Summary of changes' (linked above) and in the full rules and requirements (under FRA => Documents).
As social restrictions continue, with legal changes coming into force this week, we would like to update you on the situation with regard to fell running.
First, the new measures introduced today do not apply to recreational or competitive sport, which includes fell running. Therefore, the "rule of six" does not apply – but Race Organisers are still obliged to enforce social distancing as far as possible, and to implement appropriate measures (for example, staggered starts and strict timings for registration) – see below.
Second, we understand that the numerous regulations are extremely confusing. We have therefore established a small 'COVID working group' to try to distil all the information and present it to Race Organisers and runners. We hope to establish a page on the FRA website shortly to share guidance and resources.
Third, we are working on template documentation for Race Organisers (risk assessments, COVID-secure action plans etc). These will need to be tailored by ROs for individual races, but we hope to provide a framework so that ROs do not have to start from scratch. Active ROs should have received yesterday (by email) a copy of the report from the Lowther Fell Race.
Finally, we are liaising with major landowners (for example, the National Trust and water companies) to try to negotiate agreement for use of their land for fell racing. This is now the major obstacle for many races and unfortunately has already led to several cancellations.
Race Organisers are encouraged to organise races within the suggested framework, with particular attention to landowners, and to contact the FRA for support where required. Please be assured we are doing everything possible to facilitate a return to fell racing in some form as soon as possible.
Charmian Heaton
FRA Chairman
This week's changes to COVID-related laws and restrictions unfortunately mean that the FRA's 2020 AGM cannot proceed as planned.
We still intend to hold the AGM on the original date (Saturday 10th October) but with a minimal attendance to satisfy legal requirements and our Articles of Association. Unfortunately it will not be possible for ordinary FRA Members to attend in person.
All AGM-related material will be posted online as usual, including proxy voting forms, which FRA members are encouraged to submit. It will not be practicable to hold the usual 'general discussion about fell running' this year and so this will be removed from the agenda. Any members who were intending to raise issues during this discussion are asked instead to email the FRA Chairman or General Secretary, who will ensure a response in due course from an appropriate committee member.
These changes are far from ideal but we hope that FRA members will understand the need to proceed in this manner in these exceptional circumstances, to comply both with company law and the latest COVID restrictions.
An updated AGM notice is here.
Neil Talbott
FRA General Secretary
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
This relates to activities in England only at the current time
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
UK Athletics have announced a change to the trial race for the 2020 World Long Distance Mountain Running Championships. Latest details are available here
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
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.
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
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
List of races and results
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.
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])