Principles of Fell Running

Great Whernside Junior races / English Junior Champs 2022

Mon 18th Oct, 2021


Juniors! Juniors! Great news, this coming Sunday (24th October) is your chance to get a sneak preview of a 2022 Junior English Fell Championship race & the British Junior Inter-County Fell Championship race at the Great Whernside - Here We Go Again races, Kettlewell, North Yorkshire.

Details here.



FRA 'Do' and medallists (including team medallists)

Fri 15th Oct, 2021


All team and individual medallists in the Senior English Fell Running Championships can now be found here.
 
Massive thanks to Carlos Bedson (the FRA Statistician) for compiling the results and to all the hard-working race organisers and their teams who made the series possible in exceptionally challenging circumstances.
 
We hope to see many of you at the FRA "Do" at the Roundthorn Hotel organised by Keswick AC on Saturday 6th November. Full details are here and you can book your tickets now via SiEntries here.


FRA AGM 2021

Wed 13th Oct, 2021


The draft minutes of the FRA's AGM for 2021, held on Saturday, are now available here. These include a summary of the general discussion afterwards at which the FRA Committee fielded questions from the audience. Thank you very much to all those that attended and contributed and also everyone that dropped in for tea beforehand.

Neil Talbott
FRA General Secretary



50 @ 50 series - update

Mon 11th Oct, 2021


There are just 8 more races left in the anniversary race series and therefore 8 more opportunities to earn a very special [email protected] commemorative T-shirt (for 12 races) or Hoodie (for 18 races).

There are currently around 200 members within striking distance of a T-shirt and 25 who could earn themselves a Hoodie although an element of Fishwicking may be required for some.

Wendy Dodds has been presented with the first engraved glass (for 24 races) as she reached the remarkable milestone of 25 races completed whilst establishing a WV70 record at the Y3P.

Latest scores - click here.

Remaining races - click here.



FRA AGM - parking

Fri 8th Oct, 2021


Please note that free parking for Saturday's FRA AGM will be kindly provided by Langdale Primary School (almost opposite Chapel Stile Village Hall). The gates will be unlocked from 2:15pm onwards for everyone wishing to drop in for FREE TEA AND CAKES (see below), even if not staying for the AGM.



FRA AGM - free refreshments!

Fri 8th Oct, 2021


Tomorrow (Saturday 9th Oct), the FRA will be providing FREE TEA, COFFEE and CAKES in Chapel Stile Village Hall (just next to the village shop) from approx 2:30pm onwards after the Langdale Horseshoe fell race, before the AGM at 4pm. Please drop in if you can. You do not have to be an FRA member and you do not need to stay for the AGM!



FRA [email protected] series - update (4th October)

Tue 5th Oct, 2021


Following the Curbar Commotion there are now just ten races left in the [email protected] race series.

The latest results, and a list of the remaining races, are available on the dedicated [email protected] series page.

Charmian Heaton (FRA Chairman)



FRA AGM - reports and proxy form

Wed 29th Sep, 2021


The FRA's 2021 AGM will take place at 4pm on Saturday 9th October in Chapel Stile Village Hall, following the Langdale Horseshoe fell race. Parking has been arranged at Langdale Primary School.

The Chairman's and Treasurer's reports, plus accounts for financial year 2020, are available on our AGM page here along with full details of the AGM.

Also available on the AGM page is a proxy voting form. If you are an FRA member but are unable to attend the AGM, you are encouraged to submit a proxy voting form (direct download here, with instructions). The deadline for receipt is 4pm on Thursday 7th October.

Because of COVID rules at the venue, it would be helpful if you could advise the Secretary of your attendance in advance (email below) and bring a face covering.

Prior to the AGM, from approx 2:30pm onwards, we intend to hold a 'drop-in' session with free refreshments. If you are racing Langdale, please drop in for a few minutes for tea and cake on your way home.

Neil Talbott (email)
FRA General Secretary



FRA Junior 'Do' 2021 - this Sunday, 10pm-1pm

Mon 27th Sep, 2021


PLEASE NOTE REVISED TIMETABLE - see link for further details.

The FRA Junior 'Do' is this coming Saturday, 2nd October, 10am-1pm in Sedbergh.

For details please see our Juniors page.



FAO Race Organisers: Race registration for 2022

Mon 27th Sep, 2021


For 2022, we ask FRA Race Organisers to register their races via a new website, which is at https://races.fellrunner.org.uk.  This replaces the previous ‘Google forms’ method. We would like to get as many races as possible registered and approved before publication of the 2022 Handbook.
 
As a previous Race Organiser, an account may have been set up for you on this website, and you can log in using the details which has been emailed to you separately.
 
When you first log in please check your contact details, and change your password.  You can then immediately start to enter new races either by copying a previous race or by entering all the details from scratch. The website has ‘Further Information’ pages which give more information if needed.
 
If you have not been sent a password in advance you can go to the website, click on ‘Organiser Login', and then follow the link ‘Race Organisers: Sign up here’.  That will allow you to enter your name and address, and request an account.  The website has ‘Further Information’ pages which give more information if needed.
 
We think that submitting new races will be quite straightforward, but in case of any issues please contact Andy Watts, FRA Treasurer, on [email protected] or 01625 536896.


FRA [email protected] anniversary series - latest news and standings

Sun 26th Sep, 2021


Following Thieveley Pike, there are just eleven races left in the [email protected] race series and it's hotting up at the top of the leaderboard with Tom Day from Keswick breaking through the 1000 point barrier.  Tory Miller has created some great designs for the T-shirts and Hoodies to be awarded for participation in 12 and 18 races respectively and we have some special engraved glasses for those who take part in 24 of the 50 races.

The latest results, and a list of the remaining races, are available on the [email protected] series page.



English Championships

Tue 21st Sep, 2021


Updated after South Mynd Tour here



FRA vacancy – Access Officer

Tue 21st Sep, 2021


The FRA Committee has a vacancy for the role of Environment & Access Officer. This role primarily involves liaising with Race Organisers, landowners (large and small) and ecological bodies to facilitate land access for fell races.

The Access Officer role would suit an FRA member with a passion for fell running and the willingness and determination to negotiate with landowners and fight the corner of our unique, traditional and non-commercial sport. This position is particularly vital at a time when gaining race permissions is proving increasingly problematic owing to the plethora of trail, ultra and charity events now taking place; several traditional FRA races have recently been cancelled or adversely affected because of Access-related issues.

If you would be interested in this role, or in helping with this topic in some capacity, please contact the FRA Chairman, Charmian Heaton, at [email protected], or any member of the FRA Committee, for more information.



FRA - AGM

Fri 17th Sep, 2021


The 2021 FRA AGM will take place at 4pm on Saturday 9th October in Chapel Stile Village Hall, following the Langdale Horseshoe fell race. Please see the link below for the formal notice of the AGM including a provisional agenda.
 


FRA Do

Wed 15th Sep, 2021


Tickets are now available for the FRA Annual Dinner and Presentation Evening at the Roundthorn Hotel, Penrith on Saturday November 6th hosted by Keswick AC.
It promises to be a great evening with presentations for the English Championships, British Relays, Long Distance Award and the Lakeland Classics Awards, plus some great music and good crack! Inevitably we do have a strict number limit so booking early is recommended.
Tickets available to book directly through SI Entries or via the Keswick AC website.


Junior Championship Garments

Tue 14th Sep, 2021


Following the last Junior Championship races at Ilam on Sunday, a total of 187 Juniors have done 3 or more races. Of those 29 are not members of the FRA and need to join or renew to be eligible for their T-shirts and Hoodies. A total of 84 orders have been placed so far but the shop will need to close soon to allow enough time to get the orders ready for the Junior Do on Saturday 2nd October at Sedbergh. 
Don't miss out.  To place your order please click here


FRA Under-23s Fell Running Weekend in Ambleside

Mon 13th Sep, 2021


We are now accepting sign-ups to this year's Under-23s fell running weekend in Ambleside, on 29-31 October, sponsored by inov-8. Registration is £60 and includes two nights' accommodation in the Ambleside YHA, plus breakfast, dinner and all activities.  You must be aged 18-23 (inclusive) and a member of the FRA to participate.  For more information or to sign up, contact Sarah McCormack at [email protected]  Spaces are limited and are available on a first come first served basis.
 


ESFRC Entries

Sun 12th Sep, 2021


Entries are now open for the English Schools Fell Running Championship 2021!

For more details, please click here



Coledale Horseshoe

Sun 15th Aug, 2021


Entries are now open - click here



British Athletics Fell and Hill Relays Championship 2021

Fri 13th Aug, 2021


Details here



Disciplinary notice for Richard Campbell

Tue 10th Aug, 2021


Richard Campbell of Rossendale Harriers has received a six-month ban from FRA races, three months of which suspended with conditions, for failing to obey marshals' mandatory retirement instructions at the Wasdale Fell Race after being "timed out". The initial ban will run from 14th August to 13th November.
 
All runners are reminded that decisions of Race Organisers and marshals are final and that acceptance of race rules, including mandatory cut-off times, is a condition of race entry.


English Championships after Kentmere Horseshoe

Tue 3rd Aug, 2021


Update here.
 
Please note that championship points will continue to accrue from Black Combe Dash, though the English champs tables will not be updated immediately after.  Rather, the next and final edition for 2021 of the English championship tables will be published promptly after South Mynd Tour, during week commencing 19 September.   I hope for your understanding and patience.  With best wishes, Carlos 


FRA Presentation evening

Sat 31st Jul, 2021


Now that it looks as though this can really go ahead this year, plans are being drawn up for a wonderful evening at
The Roundthorne Hotel, Penrith on Saturday November 6th
Please book the date now if you are planning to come and full details about costs, booking and accommodation will be published here shortly.
Thank you, Keswick Athletic Club.


[email protected]

Fri 23rd Jul, 2021


Updated here 



Eligibility for English Championships

Tue 6th Jul, 2021


Dear Runners, I would like to help you be included on the championship tables.  Please may I remind you of the eligibility requirements and what you must do as you fill out your race entries. 
 
Individuals are eligible to compete if they meet one of the following criteria:
 
1. They are a member of an English club affiliated to England Athletics and currently registered (paid up for the year) with England Athletics.
2. They are a member of a club affiliated to another National Association, are currently registered with the National Association, and meet England eligibility criteria (either born in England or resident in England for a minimum of 12 months before the first Championship race).
3. They are members of the FRA and meet England eligibility criteria (either born in England or resident in England for a minimum of 12 months before the first Championship race).
These requirements apply to the Championship as a whole, not individual races which are open to anyone meeting the appropriate criteria and any requirements for prior experience.
 
Please see https://www.fellrunner.org.uk/championships_format.php for full details.
 
Therefore please this is what you always need to do and moving forward: 
 
State your running club on your race entry.  If this is left blank you will not be considered eligible.
 
If you are a member of a non-English running club, and you qualify as per 3 above and wish to be included in 2021 championships, please do state your running club on your entry and then also in particular notify the statistician of your request to be included in the tables, by email immediately today.
 
The email address is   [email protected]
 
If you are not a member of any running club, and yet you are an FRA member and qualify as per 3 above, please state FRA as your running club on your race entry.  
 
Thank you very much.  I hope very much to be able to include you on the tables, as best as possible.  
 
Kind regards, Carlos Bedson (Statistician)


FRA 50 @ 50 Race Series to celebrate the 50th Anniversary 1970 – 2020

Wed 28th Apr, 2021


Sadly the Rydal Round will not be going ahead this year due to the cancellation of Ambleside Sports but will be replaced in the [email protected] series by the Old Crown Round organised by Northern Fells. Online entries are open on SiEntries here
 
It has also been noted that Steel Fell is likely to be on Wednesday 11th August rather than the Thursday.
Please remember to check on race websites for information as details  may change as the year progresses.
The next [email protected] race will be Blackstone Edge on Wednesdy 19th May and I hope to see many of you there.

List of races and results



Frequently Asked Questions:

Thu 1st Apr, 2021


With the prospect of a cautious return to fell racing nearly upon us , the FRA have been working hard to compile these answers to Frequently Asked Questions:
https://fellrunner.org.uk/FAQ-home.php
Please navigate using the menu on the left hand side but don't expect to find any specific shoe advice 🙂
You will however see, "Is a buff a hat?"


Consultation on Governance of UK Athletics

Mon 15th Mar, 2021


The structure of governance of UK Athletics (UKA) is currently under review. The FRA, along with all other affiliated clubs, has been invited by England Athletics to express a view on the proposed changes.
 
In brief, formal membership of UKA (in terms of e.g. voting rights) is likely to be shared in one of the following ways: by the four Home Nation associations (equally or pro rata); by clubs; by all affiliated athletes; or by some other structure (to be determined).
 
The FRA is trying to establish how the last of these options ("Option C") might look, and whether fell running might be directly represented in this scenario.
 
FRA members are encouraged to make sure their clubs are aware of these proposed changes. Club representatives are invited to join an England Athletics webinar on the evening of Thursday 18th March, for which details can be provided on request.
 
More information is available here
 
 
Charmian Heaton
Chairman Fell Runners Association


English Fell Championships 2021

Thu 25th Feb, 2021


Having studied the road map in detail,  the FRA committee proposes that the English Fell Championships 2021 will be able go ahead this year albeit a little later than originally planned.   There will inevitably be some changes to be traditional format in line with any ongoing restrictions.  However, there is an assumption that we will be free to travel by this time and that the events may well be outside only and without the customary socialising.  Mass starts may or may not be possible.  Details of the organisation of the races will be available nearer the time but you can, at least, get the dates in your diary.
 
The championships will be based on the following 6 races.  
June 12th             Ennerdale Horseshoe  (AL)
July 3rd                Blencathra  ((AM)
July 17th               Alderman's Ascent   (AS)
August 1st            Pete Bland Kentmere Horseshoe  (AM)
August 28th          Arnison Crag Horseshoe  (AS)
September 19th   South Mynd Tour   (AL)
 
All entries will be through SI Entries with the customary staged entry criteria:  initial week for guaranteed entry list runners*, second week for FRA members and final entry for non-FRA members.
 
*  This list remains unchanged from 2020 except for any additional authorised additions.  It is available here.
 
Please contact me if you have any immediate queries, 
Lesley Malarkey


Pete Bland

Wed 2nd Dec, 2020


The FRA and the world of fell running is mourning the death of Pete Bland and is grateful for the immense contribution which he made to our sport throughout his lifetime. Pete served on the FRA Committee and was a hard working Race Organiser for around 40 years as well as devoting 10 years to the role of Team Manager for England Fell and Mountain Running.  He will be missed primarily by his family but also by his many friends in the wider running community.
A great loss and a privilege to have known him.  He will never be forgotten and we extend our heartfelt sympathies to all his family at this difficult time.


Fellrunner magazine index now available

Wed 17th Jun, 2020


The FRA is indebted to Graham Breeze who has completed an astonishing piece of work to create an index of all the Fellrunner magazines from 1971 until December 2019.  This reference has been invaluable to me whilst looking back over the last 50 years and should whet the appetite of any members who fancy dipping into the history of fell running. So if you want to know which edition a particular article appeared in or you have an interest in a particular topic, you can find the index and a comprehensive introduction on the Fellrunner page.
So make a brew and settle down to enjoy some fascinating reading.
Charmian Heaton


FRA Ambassadors

Thu 28th May, 2020


As mentioned in the recent Fellrunner the FRA is looking to recruit a number of ambassadors. The intention is to find an individual willing to represent each club. 
 
The focus of the role would be to act as a point of contact for the FRA and club members. In particular this might include;
  • Passing on key information sent out by the FRA. 
  • Advertising key FRA events within your club (Championship races, navigational courses etc). 
  • Encouraging membership of the FRA amongst Fell runners in your club. 
  • Reiterating safe practise and the key rules of racing. 
  • Answering queries and providing guidance for those new to the sport. 
The intention is that those taking on the role are passionate about the FRA and there is no criteria to be a committee member within a club. The role is intended to be extremely low maintenance with the main requirement being to pass on key communications made a few times a year. 
 
The list of ambassadors will be published on the FRA website and will need to include an email contact. This list will be reviewed once a year and individuals can withdraw from the role at any time. 
 
Those wishing to take on the role should comment below with their club or email Membership Representative James Lowe to express their interest.


Mountain Navigation for Runners - Martin Bagness

Thu 7th May, 2020


The FRA are hugely indebted to Martin Bagness, Harvey Maps and the OS (HMSO) for their kind permission to publish an online copy of Martin's timeless navigational skills booklet, "Mountain Navigation for Runners", for all fell, hill and mountain runners, and coaches.

To read the full story and access the book, please click here



GPS devices for navigation

Sat 10th Nov, 2018


At a meeting in September, the FRA Executive Committee voted to introduce a new race category relating to the use of GPS devices for navigation.
 
This is not a cut and dried subject and throughout our discussions, the principles of fellrunning have been at the forefront of our thoughts. We have consulted extensively with our membership base and Race Organisers to arrive at the following position, which will form part of the FRA Requirements for Runners 2018 (the ‘Runners’ Rules’):
“If a race is classified ‘non-GPS’ (NG) then the use of any electronic device to delineate a route, to display current position on a map, or as a compass, will be prohibited. The use of such a device to display distance travelled, time, speed or altitude will be allowed, as will recording of an actual route for post-race analysis. If such a device is used in an emergency situation then that competitor should retire from the race and declare themselves non-competitive.”
 
For the avoidance of doubt, GPS is not allowed in FRA registered races in England unless the race is categorised as "G"; by the race organiser.
 
The Kit Requirements for FRA Races are further clarified in respect of the fact that maps must be on paper. A conventional compass must be carried in addition to this.
 
Happy running!
The FRA Committee


First on the Scene

Tue 25th Jul, 2017


What to do if you are First on the Scene of an incident on the fells -
essential reading here.


Welfare policy - Transgender and Anti Doping

Tue 28th Feb, 2017


The Committee have agreed that the FRA will be following the UKA policies on Transgender - http://www.britishathletics.org.uk/media/news/2016-news-page/august-2016/03-08-16-transgender-policy/ and Anti Doping - http://www.britishathletics.org.uk/cleanathletics/rules/
 
This replaces the item in the 2017 Handbook on P 24 Apps 3 and 4 and as previously set out in the Welfare policy - http://www.fellrunner.org.uk/documents.php The policy will be updated.


Welfare

Fri 13th Jan, 2017


Following the FRA committee meeting on 4/12/16 and in light of recent publicity surrounding historical sexual abuse at football clubs, the committee clarified that any allegations of a similar nature within the sport of fell running will be taken extremely seriously and investigated appropriately.

We have already liaised with UKA and an update and explanation of his role will be provided by the newly appointed Welfare Officer in the Spring Fellrunner.

Any enquiries should be directed to Ed Gamble ([email protected])