Fell running, sometimes known as hill running or mountain running, is the sport of running and racing, off road, over upland country where the gradient climbed is a significant component of the difficulty.
The first British Fell Running Championships, then known as Fell Runner of the Year, were held in 1972. Since then the Fell Runner of the Year has taken place every year. Attracting 100’s people to participate.
The 62nd Annual 3 Peaks Race recently took place attracting 100’s of athletes to participate in one of the most physical endurance challenges.
The prestige of the Three Peaks Race was acknowledged by the World Mountain Running Association in 2008 when it was chosen to host the World Long Distance Mountain Running Challenge. This involved upgrading many areas of the organisation and the introduction of on-line entry. Although the entry limit was increased to 999, the need to protect the environment and ensure safety standards will prevent any further increase. The popularity of the Three Peaks route makes it a high profile event that receives considerable media attention and the Race has been featured in several television documentaries.
The first recorded traverse of the Three Peaks of Ingleborough, Pen-y-ghent and Whernside was in 1887 when two teachers from Giggleswick School, near Settle, claimed to have completed the walk in 10 hours. Gradually the Three Peaks Walk became an accepted feat of endurance and walking times of between five and six hours were claimed during the 1920s and early 1930s.
The first race over the Three Peaks was organised in 1954. It started and finished at Chapel-le-Dale and the winner was Fred Bagley in 3hrs 48mins. There were six starters and only three finishers. The race venue continued to be at Chapel-le-Dale until 1974 by which time the number of starters had increased to 280. The start and finish was then relocated to Horton-in-Ribblesdale where it remains. The record circuit from Chapel-le-Dale is 2hrs 29mins 53secs by Jeff Norman in 1974. This remains the fastest recorded traverse of the Three Peaks.
Take a look at the video from last years Fell race!
Did you know that we offer insurance for fell races take a look today, or give our experts a call on 020 7251 6821 for more information.
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