Fell running is an odd business but over the last couple of years it is something that more and more Stadium Runners of all abilities are starting to do. Fell runners are hardy creatures and love a challenge. Borrowdale Fell Runners are home to some of the UK’s top fell runners so you know if they put on a race it will most likely feature the word challenging.
The Borrowdale Fell Race is not only a challenge to run it’s also a challenge to get in, to be eligible to compete in the race runners must have previous experience of long, arduous fell races and, if they have not previously completed the Borrowdale Fell Race, runners must have completed at least two different category A or B long or two different category A medium fell races.
Two such runners were our very own Ian Sutcliffe and current Holmfirth Harrier Dan Shaw (but he’ll always be a Stadium Runner to us). Just to give you an idea of how tough this race is here are a few statistics.
Borrowdale Fell Race Facts:
Straight line distance total: 21km or 13.14miles
Approximate running distance: 17miles
Approximate height of climb: 7000ft
The current record holder is Mr. Billy Bland with a time of 2hrs 34mins 38sec (fell running legend)
Dan completed in 4.14.45 (141st)
Ian completed in 4.31.02 (183rd)
319 out of 331 starters completed the race
If you fancy giving fell running a go then you can either have your head examined or I’m sure Ian will offer some tips on how to get started.