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Thread: The Cross Fell Race

  1. #1
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    The Cross Fell Race

    Dear All,

    Sorry for the large post but have had several requests for a more detailed race route.

    The general shape of the route is a lasso, the out and return on the Pennine Way with the loop taking in the Cross Fell summit and a bridle path to the South East.
    The start and finish line will be at the church gates in Garrigill village (alt 345m), heading south a few hundred metres on road to begin the climb up Black Band on the right (alt 560m); then the route is relatively flat taking you through 3 gates.
    After the 3rd gate the track gets rough with broken stones, climbing up through old mine workings past the return bridle path on your left.
    You now are doing the right loop of the lasso, keeping to the Pennine Way track, it skirts around the North side of Cross Fell to Greg's Hut (shelter and water).
    Go left of the hut keeping on the path up the steep climb after the 4th gate to the brow, where you cut left (South) to the boggy Crossfell Well, the wishing well source is at the base of the rock outcrop (more water). Keep to the left of the 'well' and follow the cairns to gain the summit plateau; the Cross is about 500m ahead (alt 893m).
    From the Cross head East South East, using the cairns through the boulder field if misty, to reach the bridle path going North East, take a left along it.
    The best marker for the bridle path is the broken gate in the equally knackered fence line, so if unsure cut left after the boulders until you pick up the fence and find the 'gate'.
    The bridle path is mixed up with many quad bike tracks so use a North East bearing to avoid going too low or high.
    After about 1km the first object you will see on the correct line is a stunted single scruffy fir tree (4ft high) just before some old mine spoil heaps.
    On the other side of these heaps the bridle path turns into a rough vehicle track, this climbs up and to the left then through a gate to re-join the Pennine Way for your return route.
    On race day the plan is to mark the bridle path and have marshals at each gate. The whole route is public access so fine for a recce but be warned in poor visibility it is easy to get snarled up in the rocks around the summit so take a map and compass. Also the weather in Garrigill is often pleasant while Cross Fell top is wild so remember full body cover too.
    No mobile signal in the village (phone box takes money) but fine reception all around the route out of the village. Although some may call this a trail run the track gets rough and rocky from the third gate, there is wobbly bog at the ‘well’ and peat hags on the bridle path.
    Footwear: I wear Inov8 X claws and gaiters.
    Looking forward to seeing you on 30th June and thanks for supporting our local charities.

    Jim Clapp.
    Attached Images Attached Images

  2. #2
    Senior Member RaceTheSweeper's Avatar
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    That looks a super route. I'm volunteering for the Junior Fell Champs "up the nab" on that day, so unable to make it. Good luck with it. We hope to give it a go next year :-)

  3. #3
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    Thanks RTS.

    I am proud to say The Cross Fell Race is now part of the DFR TRIPLE for 2018.
    A great opportunity to race over England's Last Wilderness (Bellamy and Quayle 1989).
    Jim

    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...type=3&theater

  4. #4
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    Brief update on next Saturday’s Cross Fell race.
    Please can everyone respect the parking plan of using the west verge of the Leadgate road going out of the village? Please strictly no parking on the village green. Registration, changing and toilets are in the village hall to the left of the pub. The village hall also now has Wi-Fi, details on the door.
    Prizes include a trophy for first man and first women to keep (see attached pic) with vouchers and goodies for all 1st placed in each age category. Team prizes require 4 runners from the same nominated club.
    Free maps will be available at registration if you cannot lift one from the event website or on this forum. Details of check points and cut off times will be posted at registration. All runners will be required to carry full FRA kit, checked at registration. Please bring your own safety pins if possible to help save the planet. The £2 cheaper Si entry will close on Thursday.
    Coincidentally the Alston Gala is taking place the same day as the race, so plenty of post-race entertainment just 5 miles away.
    I’m looking forward to welcoming you in Garrigill for the inaugural Cross Fell Race.
    Jim.Cross Fell Race trophies 2018.jpg

  5. #5
    Member BarryRoubaix's Avatar
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    I don't suppose there is anybody doing this race who could pick me up in the vicinity of Penrith, and drop me off on the way back. Happy to pay towards petrol and parking.
    Cheers Barry

  6. #6
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    Thanks to the 59 runners and many helpers that made this a great inaugural running of The Cross Fell Race.
    Results and pics can be found on the DFR FB
    We raised over £500 for the local charities, so are well chuffed.
    Jim.

  7. #7
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    This inaugural Cross Fell Race was blessed by the amazing spell of hot dry weather, unusual as it clashed with Alston Gala day on which it always rains. So perhaps the human sacrifice by 59 runners on this charity run pleased St Augustine who the Cross is dedicated to when he chased away the Fiends at the end of the 6th Century.
    Many thanks go to sponsors Hangar 18 and the local businesses that contributed to prizes. The donation of a trophy for first man and women by I Johnson and his wife Helen who put on the gradely spread of teas. Thanks also go to the local game keepers and villagers of Garrigill who gave time up to marshal the race, providing water and getting everyone back home safe for tea.
    Jack Erye (Eden Runners) stormed home in the new record time followed by six runners getting back within an amazing 2 hours for quite a rough, although runnable, 15 mile route. Gemma Bradley (Saltwell Harriers) posted a brilliant record time over 12 minutes ahead of the second placed women Rachel Poynter (Eden Runners). By virtue of local Eden Runners fielding a massive contingent, the club won both male and female team prizes.
    From the runners who entered and on the day donations, almost £600 was raised for the local children play areas. Thank you.
    results: https://www.garrigillvh.org.uk/news/...ults-and-pics/
    Last edited by Jim; 04-07-2018 at 01:43 PM.

  8. #8
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    Winners Cups 2019 (640x480) (300x225).jpg
    The first anniversary of this fell race, which raised £600 for local play areas last year, is on Sunday 30th June.
    Race starts 11am; the eminently runnable route of 24Km with 680m of climb is a lasso taking in the summit of Cross Fell (the highest Pennine peak) and the source of the Tees, with stunning 360 degree views over the spine of England above Eden Valley with the Lake District and Scotland beyond. Race HQ and registration from 9am is in the village hall of scenic Garrigill.
    The fell race is run by local volunteers, all entry fees going to local charities, which this year are the Garrigill Church, Village Hall and Greg’s Hut Association (refuge bothy on Cross Fell). We shall again benefit from Hangar 18, the running and outdoor clothing specialist, providing prizes and race equipment.
    Entry fee is £8 through Si Entries or £10 on the day. This includes a gradely spread of food and drinks post-race in the village hall. Prizes (including cut glass tankards for first place and first lady)will be given at 3pm to winners of each age category and teams of 3 runners for both men and women.
    Looking forward to welcoming you in Garrigill.

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by RaceTheSweeper View Post
    That looks a super route. I'm volunteering for the Junior Fell Champs "up the nab" on that day, so unable to make it. Good luck with it. We hope to give it a go next year :-)
    Hi RTS, the weather is looking up and you're most welcome to join us on the 30th. Best wishes from behind Cross Fell, Jim.

  10. #10
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    Thanks for all the pre-entries through Si Entries, the deadline for this is Friday, then entry only on day.
    Please can everyone respect the parking plan of using the west verge of the Leadgate road going out of the village?
    Please strictly no parking on the village green.
    Registration from 9am, changing and toilets are in the village hall to the left of the pub. The village hall also now has Wi-Fi, details on the door.
    Prizes include a cut glass tankard for first man and first women to keep with goodies for all 1st placed in each age category. Team prizes require 3 runners from the same nominated club.
    Free maps will be available at registration if you cannot lift one from the event website or on this forum. Details of check points and cut off times will be posted at registration.
    All runners will be required to carry full FRA kit, checked at registration.
    Looking forward to greeting you in Garrigill.
    Jim.
    Last edited by Jim; 25-06-2019 at 02:06 PM.

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