Re: Wolf`s Pit Jnr/senior race
Try not to overthink it, the official race descriptions almost always state ER, my take on it this is:
"ER = are you competent and able enough to sort *yourself* out if something happens, such as a turn in the weather or if you get injured at the furthest point of the course".
So that gives a lot of scope for many ER races still being suitable for beginners - if you've prepared.
So: you might not have any racing experience, but if you know the area (most races publish checkpoints or maps), maybe have given yourself a reccy of the course (where allowed - parts of this course were out of bounds, but you can still get up onto that moor to get a feel for the course) - then you can satisfy yourself that even without racing experience, you are safe enough to be out. Or, alternatively, perhaps you don't know the area at all but you are capable of using a map and compass (and also capable of carrying them with you - a rare skill indeed) - then again, you are safe to be out on a course like Wolf's Pit, even though you are a race beginner.
Same thing with kit: you might not have raced before, but if you have read and understood the race organiser's kit requirements, and are prepared to carry that kit, then you *do* have some experience!
What ER means for me is: "don't think of turning up for this race if you only own road shoes, or if you think that if you get lost it is the organisers fault, or if yot think that carrying kit is all a bit of a faff and really applies to other people". All Fell Races should qualify for this description!
Every single race is different, and some degree of study is always needed so that you can ascertain if *you* can run it safely. A beginner would be stupid to start with Ben Nevis or the Trigger as their first race, but given that Wolf's Pit is relatively short, over relatively easy terrain, and has a large field of runners - in most conditions it is indeed ideal for beginners.
[Similarly with LK: every fell race worth its salt will have LK as an advantage. But that shouldn't stop you entering, if once again you know you are capable of completing the course safely. But as a beginner you probably want to go somewhere where you can reccy or have some previous local knowledge]
Re: Wolf`s Pit Jnr/senior race
Thanks Rich; I didn't realise you replied to my earlier post - sorry about that!
You raise plenty of questions for me to think about.
I am approaching (like many I expect) from a purely road and XC background, and I haven't been at that long!
As you know, on the road, courses are well marked out and marshalled, there's no need for navigation (usually!) so running is quite a straightforward concept for me - I start, follow the course and/or the other runners, and go home!
I have only done one fell race up to now, which was Wincle Trout, and it was perfect. Tough but a decent distance for me, well marshalled, lots of runners and easy to find your way around. As I'm building confidence it's these kinds of races I am trying to target in the early days, but even this is a minefield! I wouldn't go as far as to say simple races, but what I'm looking for is something 10K or under and flagged / marshalled from start to finish, or as close as it gets to this :D
However, I am ticking off my bits of kit steadily as I go so when the time comes I will have everything I need to do a fair few fell races, although I don't do a whole lot over 10 miles! I have no nav experience but I will be taking care of this soon. Hopefully by the end of the year I will be less of a novice.
I think I will refrain from hijacking this thread with my ramblings any further, but if anyone would be as kind as to offer any further help or advice, please PM me.
Thanks!
