Beginners Guide to Fell Running
“I love fell running. It is as hard as you make it. You run until you have to walk then you walk until you can run again.”Steve Partington, 2007
What is it?
Fell running is the sport of running off road, over upland country where the gradient climbed and the terrain traversed is a significant component of the difficulty. The name arises from the origins of the English sport on the fells of northern Britain, especially those in the Lake District.
Fell running is an easily accessible sport in the Isle of Man, requiring little in the way of expensive equipment and facilities. As with all running sports a reasonable level of fitness is required to participate.
Many runners can manage the uphills, which demand strength, effort and determination but little more. It’s on the downhills where a fell runner’s special talent is obvious. Maybe it’s a matter of leg-eye coordination, maybe it’s to do with fast twitch fibres in the feet, or maybe it’s all about bravery to the point of foolhardiness – the fact is, you will soon know if you have enough of what it takes; one race should be enough. You’ll find yourself either teetering nervously over the uneven ground or bounding down the hillside like a gazelle.
Above all, don’t be intimidated; it’s not as hard as you think!
Footwear
Modern fell running trainers use light, non waterproof material to eject water and dislodge mud after traversing boggy ground. While the trainer needs to be supple, to grip an uneven, slippery surface, a degree of side protection against rock and loose stones may be provided. Rubber studs have been the mode for the last two decades. Walshes are extensively used by many UK runners, especially in the Lake District, where their sole pattern gives excellent grip on steep grass. Shoe manufacturers such as Inov8 and Montrail are also leading the chasing pack to try to make better and better shoes to compete with Norman Walsh’s design.
Road shoes with a deep-lugged, aggressive outsole are ok to start with but they do not provide the same, high level of grip as the fell shoes described above.
Other Equipment
Competitors should arrive at races prepared to carry any or all of the following equipment:
- Windproof / waterproof whole body cover (including a hood or hat).
- Other body cover appropriate for the weather conditions.
- Map (often, but not always, provided by the organiser) and compass suitable for navigating the course.
- Whistle.
- Emergency food (long races only).
The above equipment is usually carried in a bum bag although small rucksacks are sometimes used too.
The above requirements constitute “best practice” and are mandatory at all Long and Medium races. In the event of settled fine weather, the organiser may decide to waive some of the above requirements for Short races. Organisers are obliged to ensure that whatever requirements they specify on the day are met by holding complete or random checks before and after the start of the race.
Race categories
Category A
at least 250 ft (76.2 m) of ascent per mile (1.6 km)
should not have more than 20% of the race distance on road
should be at least one mile in length
Category B
at least 125 ft (38.1 m) of ascent per mile (1.6 km)
should not have more than 30% of the race distance on road
Category C
at least 100 ft (30.5 m) of ascent per mile (1.6 km)
should not have more than 40% of the race distance on road
should contain some genuine fell terrain
Category L
for Long - over 12 miles (19.3 km)
Category M
for Medium - over 6 miles (9.6 km)
Category S
for Short - less than 6 miles (9.6 km)
Examples
Bradda Fell Race AL 15miles, 5,000ft of ascent - male record 2hrs 4mins 34secs Lloyd Taggart 2007, female record 2hrs 45mins 8secs Jackie Lee 2007
St Johns Fell Race AS 2.5miles, 1,000ft of ascent – male record 23mins 30secs Simon Skillicorn 2006, female record 29mins Brenda Walker 2001
Most fell runners begin by initially trying a ‘Category S - short’ race.
Where to start?
Why not join us on one of our regular club runs which cater for all abilities. This is a great way to meet some of the members & practice on some of the courses before entering your first race.
For further information contact Richie Stevenson by using the MFR Contact form on the website
Suggested first races
- Winter hill league (Oct to Dec) - series of 3 short races aimed at juniors & beginners as well as the regular fell runners.
- St Johns Fell Race (New Years Day) - the most popular of our races, generally 60+ entrants
