What is fell running?
Fell running is a popular and well established activity in the Dales. It may seem that walking up a hill is hard enough work without trying to do it as fast as possible, but there is a tremendous exhilaration to be gained from travelling fast and light on the fells. The real equipment requirement is a decent pair of running shoes.
How to enter a fell race
There is a large calendar of events with something happening most weekends. Nearly every show in the Dales has an accompanying fell race. These are often shorter and less strenuous events for which entries on the day are accepted. They include classic short races such as Burnsall and Kilnsey.
Three Peaks fell race
The premier race in the Dales is the Three Peaks fell race which takes place every April. It traverses the famous Yorkshire Dales mountains of Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside. This is one of the oldest, most famous and best organised fell races in Britain. First run in 1954, the race covers 24 miles of our most rugged and spectacular countryside, taking competitors to a height of 2,500 feet above sea level.
The course record is held by English international Andy Peace of Bingley Harriers, who completed this gruelling challenge in 2 hours 46 min. 03 sec. The women's record of 3 hours 16min 17sec is held by another English international Sarah Rowell. In 2008, the annual Three Peaks Race was run as the World Long Distance Mountain Running Challenge, a prestigious international event which attracted over 100 overseas competitors as well as the best runners from the UK.
The Three Peaks Race website contains more information.
How to find out more
The Fell Runners Association is the controlling organisation of the sport and joining provides a comprehensive calendar of all fell races as well as information about safety and equipment. For more information visit the Fell Runners Association website.
If you fancy a go but would like to be guided by a qualified physiotherapist and experienced runner, check out the offer from Jelley Legs.
