Fell Running
Updated 7 November, 2007

Harrogate Harriers is an affiliated fell running club and some members enjoy participating in local and national events. The Club's Fell Running representative is Ian Rowbotham. No other area has as many races so take advantage while you can. Most fell races are entry on the day so it's easy to decide to go at the last minute. All races have their own unique reason and flavour. Please speak to Ian (or contact by email) if you are interested in taking part in fell races. Alternatively check out the website of the Fell Running Association.

Dodd Fell Race, Gayle, near Hawes - 27th May, 4.5 miles 1,100 ft of climb

From Race Director, Ian Rowbotham:

The Dodd Fell Race had gone the way of many other traditional races have over the years - it had simply faded away. Last year one runner turned up to find no competitor or marshal willing to help him run a classic fell racing course. Imagine in a perfect step sided U shaped valley bottom glad in the good green stuff those at the "A Day in the Dales Show" again not having the excitement of seeing a battle unfold over the entire route of the race. Such is the route every trod is visible to supporters in the show field. Activities included Lurcher (High Jump & racing), Terriers ‘Fastest through the Pipe’, Cock of the North, Pride of the Peaks, Stick Show, Sheep Shearing, Hang Gliding & Hollaring, etc.

A small bunch of enthusiasts with less than two months to go took on the challenge of resurrecting the race. Following meeting all involved and getting the race registered in three weeks leaflets and the FRA web site led to 26 runners competing for the new trophy.

Former and new record holder Gary Devine of Pudsey and Bramley won a race of steep climbing on tussock and peak haigs across uneven limestone ground and sharp descent. He was followed closely by constantly improving Dave Wilby. Kelly Harrison also from Ilkley Harriers was first lady taking home the new trophy and large home made cake also. The irrepressible Ben Grant of Harrogate Harriers was first vet 50 plus. Supporters provided other prizes for one third of the racers.  Absence makes the heart grow fonder. The warm reception all involved had from those involved in the activities of the show was noticeable. Thanks to all involved, Philip Broadbent and the land owners Maurice and Evone Bell and the marshals.

Results summary:

Full results (PDF)

Phil Mason taking a picture of each competitor available on http://millsandmoors.fotopic.net/c1288743_1.html

Course map: http://uk.geocities.com/propertyadvice@btinternet.com/DoddFellRaceRoute.jpg

Editor and first time fell racer's note: A big thank you to Ian and Jane Rowbotham for organizing and reviving this old fell race. A thoroughly enjoyable day out - I look forward to it next year.

Cronkley Fell - 6 May - Pictures

53rd Annual Three Peaks Race - Sunday, April 29, 2007 - Ian Rowbotham and Phil Mason represented the club in the Three Peaks Race, which has been awarded the World Long Distance Mountain Running Challenge for 2008. Ian finished in 59th place out of the 459 runners who managed to finish the race. Phil, who suffered an injury, managed to keep going and finished in 436th. Well done to both! Winner was Rob Jebb, Bingley Harriers, in 2:51:49 - Results link

Here are Ian's thoughts on the race:

Too quickly its bed time slightly disturbed sleep today's the day knowing it
before eyes open the plan in tatters already forgotten optimistic
pessimistic positive and negative thoughts set the tone didn't include
nervous excitement priming draining look forward in goes the fuel solid and
liquid mates arrive leave those at home nothing new on race day its all new
but happening again nervous smiles and chatter bathed in sun old
acquataines rivals time ebbing quickly collect to not hear starter
arms in tight together off we go elated arms out too fast not as fast as others how do they
do it group stretching out over tarmac and then track up we go optimism
surrounds the group pleasure intense feelings nervous prior to significant testing ascending
descending pacing flat fast running too fast challenging uneven surfaces rubble hot smoothed limestone
steeper bigger rocks fell windy moor cheers encouragement steep tricky wet  too fast missed views runners orders change descenders to the front for how long friends competitors club rivals pass flags dip bleeps refreshments supporters great to see them later can only hear them first drinks unless camel on your
back rows of labelled bottles viaducts looms but hills dwarf wet feet rock hopping what doesn't work very clear now endure gain on fall behind change of terrain new feelings all the time every thing dulling but heightened nice flute music floats weird water jelly babies handed out from strangers time stretches out sweat saltier bit tired now build an odd ache pain pull mental tough relax your all athletes drive with your arms push on work irritated slightly harder bigger effort manage injury old niggles return go away see
you later hot feet twisting ankles blisters of grit calf's cramping knees hurting quad burning sore rubbed more jelly babies how steep down last one hill focus tunnel vision hot more supporters cant hear them compete salt liking fast fell running ahhhhh the finish bliss hurts returns stiff move a bit odd lie down smile sit up get in the stream how cold fish blank recovering every thing now very simple peace quiet stillness ahhh the golden
qualities tea magic white bread great watch others amble home stated to review memories wash over optimism grows afresh the next thought commitment a plan in an ideal world". I.R.

Fell races for Feb to April 2007 - added 22 Jan 2007

SAT MARCH 10th - WINDMILLS WHIZZ. BM. 11.30am. 7m/800’ from Ogden Reservoir, Causeway Foot (added 11 Mar 2007)

On a bright and blustery day it was warm at home (nine degrees centigrade). We made our way to Overden, situated between Halifax and Keighley. Registration was at the Causeway Foot Inn. From the race HQ the hand made numbers were handed out.
Spring was in the air. Birds were singing and that was just in the car park. Abundant wildlife was obviously enjoying the attractive area and milder conditions with the fell runners, children and fun runners.
A walk along the traditional stone walled thin road led to the race start area, for those who parked properly. There was a difficult kit choose. Was it warm enough to use the shorts and only have a vest on?
From the edge of the attractive woodland on the side of the Ogden Reservoir the race started in a sheltered area. This feeling was not to last. The route climbs from the start on relatively easy fell running terrain. Leading out onto Overden Moor and around a large wind farm the race went from fell onto 3 miles of level or descending road and firm trail. There was plenty of wind to be harvested on this Saturday. That could not blow out the enthusiasm of Dave and Eileen Woodhead who were out again supporting the fell runners at the mid way point.
A fine drizzle briefly cooled off anyone making the wrong kit choose on the tops. Into the hills went the two front runners Graham Peace (Ilkley AC) and Chris Miller (HAC). Through out the race Chris and Graham battled it out. There was never much between them. Then after a close fought race over the entire 7 miles on the final corner Graham surged to take first place after a descent. Graham Peace first home in 39:18, second Chris Miller 39:25, 13th Ian Rowbotham 42:43, 22nd David Askew 45:42.
This fast fell/road/trail could be seen as easy but the experience was more like a sound testing in various running modes. They’re often as hard as you make them.
One of the nice features of the day was that the organizers were raising funds to provided guide dogs for the blind. Prizes were kept modest and the front runners were presented with their boxes of chocolates by a blind gentleman and his dog. The whole race was well organized especially by Mr. and Mrs. Crabtree and all their kind helpers. Thanks.
You always get more than a fell race at a fell race event.
IR

SUN. JAN 28, 24TH SOREEN STANBURY SPLASH (R). BM. 11.30 a.m. 7m/1200' from Penistone Hill Country Park, near Haworth, Keighley, W.Yorkshire, (GR 025364). £3 on day only. Teams (3) free. PM. Over 18. Records: 41.53 I.Holmes 2006; F. 49.01 N. White 2006. All finishers will receive a Soreen Maltloaf. Free coffee and biscuits. Prize draw for signed Olympian Chris Hoy memorabilia - free to all runners. Details: Dave Woodhead, 166 Hainworth Wood Road, Keighley, West Yorkshire, BD21 5DF. Tel: 01535 669100.

If you don’t do any others get out and feel like Heathcliffe at The Stoop or Auld Lang Syne!
Note it is often a little harder and more risky to run these races. It is suggested you prepare accordingly. Now the weather is colder and wetter it is important to take full body protection against the elements. You should carry enough to keep you warm and dry should you get lost or have an accident or not be able to run.
You should be responsible for your own safety and knowledge of where you are especially out on the hills.

Please see the Fell Runners Association web site: http://www.fellrunner.org.uk/

English Championship Races for 2007 are:

British Championship Races for 2007 are:

Intercounties 2007
Sunday 13 May - Crowden Horseshoe

British Relay 2007
Saturday 13 October - Bowland area

The World Masters Championships were held in Keswick in 2005.