Fell races, what are they?

After reading some comments on the Edale Skyline thread it seemed to me that there is an interesting discussion to be had about what a fell race actually is. and should be considered to be...

Obviously a quick scan through the fixtures book reveal a huge variety of different events. differing length, height, terrain and time of year all adding fantastic variety to the 'fell racing year'

So I wonder? Is it a fully marked sprint up and back down again, back in the beer tent by lunchtime or is it a prolonged battle through terrain, weather and navigating through clag. I realise that it all of these, and probably all of these at once!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by IanFitz

...a huge variety of different events. differing length, height, terrain and time of year all adding fantastic variety...

---

..and different people with different preferences, often with a tendency to say that our own favourite races somehow require greater athleticism and prowess.

Right, first person to mention the PPP gets their tyres slashed.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mr brightside

Right, first person to mention the PPP gets their tyres slashed.

---

Trail race, so unlikely to get mentioned on this thread :closed:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by LissaJous

..and different people with different preferences, often with a tendency to say that our own favourite races somehow require greater athleticism and prowess.

---

That's a good point LJ. But having studied the calendar over many years, and taking several criteria into account... the best fell race (by 310 points from its nearest rival, on the dunstall-radley amended scale) is the Cat and Fiddle down-and-up fell relay.

I was as surprised as anyone, but there's no disputing the results.

Best example of a fell race I can think of, one that really stands out....Buttermere Sailbeck. Difficult, rough and gnarly, but with some amazing running and views! Those 10 miles encapsulate everything that makes me love running on the fell.

Personally I've always been better at steep climbs and descents with rough ground so my perfect race (from a doing the best in the results point of view) would have been something like the kinder dozen in filthy conditions!

hmm, I might just try to put that on as a race. Sounds ace!

I would consider a race being simply an event where competition is involved. Regardless of terrain, weather, ascent etc.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Derby Tup

Trail race, so unlikely to get mentioned on this thread :closed:

---

haha, love it.

can of worms. open, right there. Although guessing that may have been discussed once or twice before...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MickTor

I would consider a race being simply an event where competition is involved. Regardless of terrain, weather, ascent etc.

---

Aberystwyth Parkrun is definitely (98%) on tomorrow morning :)