Fell runs

These are events in the hills and up and down them, sometimes requiring navigation. Provisions and safety kit may need to be carried depending on the type, length and difficulty of the race.

They are especially popular in the fells of northern England, including the Lakes, Lancashire and Yorkshire and many take place as part of country fairs or local sports days. And don't think they are just for experts - there's a real camaraderie and a fun element in the main pack.
 

FINDING A FELL RUN

The Fell Running Association categorises races according to distance and difficulty, as determined by height gain. Short, medium or long
Short races are 10km (6 miles) or less, medium are 10-20km (6-12 miles) and long are 20km+ (12 miles) or over. Marathon or multi-dayers are our Ultra listings.
Fell runs Ultra runs

Gradient guidelines
The steepest involve a minimum of 50 metres of climbing per km, with less than 20% of the overall distance on road. The 'easiest' are 20m per km and up to 40% on road.
Browse fell run listings
 
Essential info
The listings and the event organiser's website will give an indication of navigational skills required - this is vital, and we've got courses to get you up to speed.
Navigation courses

A unique test
You often get a choice of routes, making a recce run a good idea when possible. And this is another differentiating factor from trail and cross country runs, which both tend to be on more defined and less hilly courses.
 

KIT, EQUIPMENT & TECHNIQUE