A "proper" fell race

[lookmanohands]

So I'm new to this running up and down mountains lark, what would you guys and gals class as a proper fell race? Over 10 miles? Over 3000 ft acent? 2,3,4 peaks? Just wondering when I can call myself a fell runner!

[southernsoftie]

Depends on what your bag is, baby!

Some people get their kicks from the short straight up straight down BOFRA style races (e.g. c5mi or so), others prefer the longer races (12-20mi+). Some fell runners don't even race: just hit the hills whenever they can.

I caught the bug after a short race - a 3mi blast up Saddleworth one day - but I prefer to test my endurance and find this is where the biggest challenge is for me, so go for the longer ones.

I still find it a bit of a cheek to call myself a fell runner in the company of other fell runners though, as I still consider myself a newbie. I have plenty of Wayne's World-style 'I'm not worthy' moments, talking to established runners!!

[mr brightside]

I don't think there is such a thing really, people have their preferances but even a CS event is still classed as a fell race under FRA rules.

[tinyman]

I think there's two different questions here LMNH.

"What's a proper fell race?" - I agree it's down to your ideas about what's challenging. Look at the FRA calendar, there's a world of differences in the races listed there, it's what appeals to you.

"When can I call myself a fell-runner?" - I reckon that this is less about what races you've done and more about the mountain-craft you've acquired through training and racing. It's the whole package of navigation when the clag's down, reading the ground you're running on, looking after yourself and your mates when you're out on the hill, etc etc.
I don't have a definitive answer, but there's a satisfaction you feel when you've used these skills to get yourself safely down after a really challenging run in challenging conditions, I personally reckon that it's that feeling that's a good indication that you're a fell runner.
As for a 'proper fell runner' I don't know any fell runners that I would consider to be in any way proper.

[Derby Tup]

Ask yourself the following questions:

Is Pete Bland's van parked nearby?

Are you surrounded by some unfeasibly fit looking people?

Are some of those people wearing little blue and yellow running shoes?

Did you park near a camper van with KIMM/OMM stickrrs in the window?

Do you have a slightly nervous feeling looking up at the hills?

If the answer to more than one of the questions is yes, then imho, its a 'proper fellrace'

[Muddy Retriever]

Ask yourself the following questions:

Is Pete Bland's van parked nearby?

Are you surrounded by some unfeasibly fit looking people?

Are some of those people wearing little blue and yellow running shoes?

Did you park near a camper van with KIMM/OMM stickrrs in the window?

Do you have a slightly nervous feeling looking up at the hills?

If the answer to more than one of the questions is yes, then imho, its a 'proper fellrace'

That sounds a reasonable set of definitions to me.

But it means I've only done two proper fell races this year.

[southernsoftie]

That sounds a reasonable set of definitions to me.

But it means I've only done two proper fell races this year.

Puts me on zero!!

[lookmanohands]

Oh and I'll need to get some little shorts and a vest to wear throughout the year!

[Jez Hellewell]

Check out the thread on "Great Whernside" ! That is what I call a classic fell race ! 2 miles of hard climbing, followed by your "reward" ! 2 miles of suicidal descending ! And don't even get me started on the stunning scenery.

[Stolly]

Ask yourself the following questions:

Is Pete Bland's van parked nearby?

Are you surrounded by some unfeasibly fit looking people?

Are some of those people wearing little blue and yellow running shoes?

Did you park near a camper van with KIMM/OMM stickrrs in the window?

Do you have a slightly nervous feeling looking up at the hills?

If the answer to more than one of the questions is yes, then imho, its a 'proper fellrace'

That makes me laugh DT. I dragged my elder daughter along to the K&C Stirton fell race in the summer and she felt well intimidated at the start. To her she felt everyone looked stupidly fit and she desperately looked round for fat or very old, or preferably fat and very old and lame, runners that she felt she had a chance beating. More than anything she didn't want to come last. As it turned out she ran a good 'un though coming 73rd out of a pretty good field of 108 so I don't think anyone should be too worried.