april 2010

[daz h]

Would see the 40th anniversary of the FRA

Now not being into the politics of Fellrunning can someone possibly explain why the FRA, SHRA, IMRA and the WFRA cannot become one ??
Oh and im not sure if I have asked this before but can anyone inform me of the persons who actually founded the FRA

Thanks
Daz

[IainR]

Why would IMRA join the UK bodies?

NIMRA maybe.

I think SHR and WFRA are like similar in that they aren't directly affiliated to UKA. They are independant bodies.

I never fully understood but I thought WFRA founded to avoid affiliating with Welsh Athletics, not sure about the Scottish lot.

Isn't the founding of the FRA discussed in Feet in The Cloud's?

[MargC]

Oh and im not sure if I have asked this before but can anyone inform me of the persons who actually founded the FRA

Thanks
Daz

"The Fell Runners' Association was formed on April 4th, 1970 at Whitehough Camp School, following the Pendle Fell Race, as a result of interest shown in a duplicated "Calendar of Events" which had been compiled by Gerry Charnley. Alf Case (Clayton-le-Moors), the Three Peaks Race secretary, was elected chairman, Eddie Leal (Ryde Harriers) honorary secretary, and Jim Smith (Bury) honorary treasurer and registrar. A committee was formed, consisting of Frank Travis, co-organiser of the Two Day Mountain Marathon, Ken Smith (Clayton), Eddie Roberts (Rossendale), John Haworth (Clayton), Pete Duffy (Aberdeen), John Barlow (Sale), Mike Davies (Reading) and Colin Robinson (Rochdale)"

From "Studmarks on the summits" by Bill Smith. Published 1985.

Of the original committee members I understand that Jim Smith (Membership No. 5), Mike Davies (No. 7) and Pete Duffy (No. 8) are still members of the FRA.

[daz h]

Why would IMRA join the UK bodies?

NIMRA maybe.

I think SHR and WFRA are like similar in that they aren't directly affiliated to UKA. They are independant bodies.

I never fully understood but I thought WFRA founded to avoid affiliating with Welsh Athletics, not sure about the Scottish lot.

Isn't the founding of the FRA discussed in Feet in The Cloud's?

sorry forgot the N
err not read that book in years

[shadbolt]

Now not being into the politics of Fellrunning can someone possibly explain why the FRA, SHRA, IMRA and the WFRA cannot become one ??

Oh goody, are we going to have a rerun of the great 2006 UKA affiliation debate .

There are probably many reasons why those organisations don't want to join forces with the FRA but I'm sure the most important one is that the anarchic celts want to continue to be able to fold their race numbers without getting a ticking off from the FRA chairman .

[wheezing donkey]

Daz, IIRC, it all stems from each of the home nations having their own regional AAA, which each fell-running 'body' had to affiliate to. E.G.you could not have the WFRA affiliating to the English AAA, when there was the Welsh AAA representing all athletes in the principality.
I do stand to be corrected!!

[skennaugh]

We have really small numbers that you don't need to fold.

[Duff]

Of the original committee members I understand that Jim Smith (Membership No. 5), Mike Davies (No. 7) and Pete Duffy (No. 8) are still members of the FRA.

Jim Smith is certainly still getting out on the fells and is now the venerable president of Tod Harriers.

I genuinely amusing, decent, and modest man.

He is also now a man I expect to buy me a pint next time I see him.

[XRunner]

Daz, IIRC, it all stems from each of the home nations having their own regional AAA, which each fell-running 'body' had to affiliate to. E.G.you could not have the WFRA affiliating to the English AAA, when there was the Welsh AAA representing all athletes in the principality.
I do stand to be corrected!!

Why is the Trail Running Association affilated to UK:A?

The TRA is an associate member of UK Athletics (UKA). Through this association with UKA, the TRA is able to issue permits to race organisers on behalf of UKA.

[DanAzz]

Why is the Trail Running Association affilated to UK:A?

I notice you have to join the TRA to see the race calendar.
Glad the FRA chose to display races to everyone.