An Introduction to Fell Running

What is it?

It is a sport in which runners race each other around a course over hilly terrain. Hills aside, mud, streams, moorland and woods are all optional extras and short stretches of road are usually a necessary evil (usually at the start and finish).

There is a  low key approach that attracts many to the sport. Very little specialist kit is required and rarely can the average athlete line up alongside the best in the country and share their experiences with them afterwards, often over a pint. Elitist it is not.

How fit do you have to be to fell run?

Not fit at all - a lot of people come into fell running from a hill walking background. Fell running is for all and probably contains a wider range of abilities than most running disciplines. The main thing to get over is the idea that all uphills must be run. Walking up hill is normal. We all do it, top runners do it less, but walking can be quicker and more efficient than running so do not get frustrated if you have to walk. Try to develop a sustainable pace rather than hammer up the slope for a few meters then bend over for 5 minutes gasping. The main thing is never stand still, just keep going, and don't take it too easy!

For many fell running is the sport they enter later in life. You are certainly never too old to start and it’s not unusual to see a good deal of 60+ and 70+ year old fell runners.

What kit do I need?

Ideally a pair of fell shoes, though for the races listed, which are all suitable for novices you could get away with a pair of trail or even road shoes. Cross country spikes ARE NOT suitable! Try a race first and if you like it then it’s worth investing in a pair of studded fell shoes which will give better grip. “More mile cheviot 2” are a good low-cost choice at around £30. And if you don’t take to fell running these will make excellent cross country shoes.

Longer/tougher fell races will have kit requirements such as waterproofs/map/compass, hat and gloves. However, the only kit requirements for the races listed are a windproof top for Shepherds Skyline and windproof top/map for Saddleworth Edges. Any changes to this will be advised before the races.

Give it a try!

Fell running offers a few things that ordinary runners simply cannot get from road-running:

• Scenery. Take a moment to enjoy the views and delight in the arresting landscapes of mountainous Britain. The landscapes rarely fail to provoke some emotion, be it awe, joy or trepidation.
• Excitement. You just don’t get  the same adrenaline rush from any road race as you get from even the shorter, more gentle races. Running downhill just does that.
• Placement. Fields are often small, so top 10 finishes or placing in your category are definite possibilities. This can equate to prizes, albeit often cake, beer or wine .
• Egalitarianism. There are not many sports in which you line up against national champions, knowing that, if you have a good day and they make a navigational error or just run badly, you can beat them.
• Social. Many races start and finish at a good pub, many with food included in the entry fee. This makes for a fairly sociable sport.
• Knees. They last longer if you stay off the concrete.
• Entry fees.  6 miles of running does not HAVE to cost £25, nor 13 miles £40+; that's just what you can get away with charging. Most race fees vary between £2 and £10, often with food included and sometimes with a t-shirt, beer or a mug. This is a very low-cost sport to enter.

Finally:-

Check out these videos and photos for a bit of inspiration. Note that some of these are quite big, serious races, not what you will find in the club champs, which are all suitable for novices:-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fv2QrjeFE8      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhlLI92yK-A