Try a Fell Run

Week 41 - On Foot

Level of Fitness
Blue to black

The Experience
You should be a reasonably fit road or cross-country runner to try fell running, or an experienced hill walker that fancies moving faster.  Besides the ability to run you may also need to navigate at many events, and know how to look after yourself in the event of injury or exhaustion. 

Fell running has a long history and a strong tradition in northern England, where many of the events were originally guides' races which took place as part of country shows.  These provided the opportunity for the local guides and shepherds to show their speed, fitness and knowledge of the fells.  This tradition carries on today with most of the famous summer shows still having a fell race as part of the programme.

Fell races are sociable affairs with great scenery, sometimes awful weather and a challenge of you versus the elements as well as other runners.  One of the challenges of fell running is that often navigation is required as the route is not necessarily marked.  This means you need a map and compass and know how to use them, as you can not rely on following someone else.

Most fell runners begin by initially trying a short race. Even the most fit and fast road, track or cross country runners can benefit from a couple of weeks of including sharp climbs and descents in their training to prepare untrained muscle groups

Have a go
Fell races are held throughout the year, and are a great way to keep some winter fitness.

Find out more
Click here for more information