Looking to recruit some more members to the Race Liaison Team
Thu 5 Mar 2026
Fell runners are blessed with being able to participate, compete and train on the highest, most beautiful and extreme terrain in England and the Isle of Man of any of the disciplines within the 360 degrees of running activity family.
The FRA work hard to keep the sport simple, a statement in the principles of fell racing by a previous FRA Chairman, Peter Knott (1979-1982) resonates as much today as when he said it,
“...let us spend as much time as we can afford running on the fells with a minimum of rules and regulations commensurate with safety and fair competition”.
The volunteers that comprise the Race Liaison Team are in place to assist; existing, new and prospective fell race organisers to provide safe and fair races for the volunteers, competitors and supporters across the thirteen areas and countries that the FRA licence races.
Race Liaison will attend races, competing if they wish, though some races can be assessed remotely, to assist race organisers and ensure the races are held as set out in the race requirements and guidelines. As well as contributing to the FRA as it introduces new initiatives, to support the principles of safety and fairness.
We aim to assess around 10% of the 500 or so fell races that the FRA licence each year, including each of the English Senior and Junior championship events. The races stretch across the FRA's thirteen areas, from the most northerly, Northumberland/Durham, through the Lake District, the North, West and South Pennines, North York Moors and Dales, North West Lancashire/Bowland, Peak District, Shropshire/Welsh Borders, Midlands, South West/East and the Isle of Man (Country).
The aim is to expand the team to around 10-15 members, including a dedicated junior race liaison though flexible on mixing it up, who will assess typically 3 or 4 races each year, though happy if more can be attended. The larger team will ideally include representatives who can cover the areas outside of the fell racing heartlands of the Lake District, Peak District and the Pennines, will also improve capacity to better double up at the longer races and potentially cover a greater number of races overall.
The Race liaison role will potentially suit those with a knowledge of and passion for fell running, be they a former or current race organiser, experienced competitor or someone with that passion and knowledge of the sport.
To find out more drop me a line on [email protected]
Be great to hear from you, best wishes,
Clive Thornton
Esk Valley Fell Club (North York Moors)
