The mythical spirit

[wolley tha]

I've not been to many races, maybe 4 now, but about the age of fell runners, it does seem to my eyes, that the average age of runners at races is about 40.

This is slightly worrying for the future of the sport, there are young runners, but compared to track/road/XC, there doesn't seem to be a similar correlation. I don't know why this is? Fell running outclasses track/road/XC hands down in all aspects. Maybe its because the track/road/XC get more media coverage.

That aside its definitely the best sport I've taken up for a million reasons, and have been helped massively by various runners, who are keen to pass on their tips and knowledge.

The average age of fell runners may be about 40, but so long as it is not increasing that in itself need not be a problem. It probably means that people take up fell-running at a later age. Except at the highest level this is probably true of running (fell/track/road/XC) in general. Quite a lot of activity at junior level (look at the Fellrunner for evidence!); less at senior level as people do other sports (or none) or have other responsibilities taking up their time; a resurgence at veteran level.

[TurboTom]

The FRA is 40 years old next year. Since this forum started there has been a lot of talk about the 'spirit of fellrunning'. What is this spirit of which they talk? It is certainly not the spirit that immediate members of my family see from well over 35 years in the sport. The sport has changed, unfortunately due to modern life it cannot be as free spirited as it once was. Alot of people want things now, they need to know what they are doing in 3, 4 ,5 months time. Massive pre-entry is not in the old spirit but maybe there is a new spirit.

Im pretty sure ridiculous age limits werent part of the old spirit but oh well

[alf.t]

Many interesting and fine words on the subject about this 'Mythical Spirit'.

I guess we want to look back at 'innocent' unspoilt times of hap hazard, ill preparedness that we all laugh at after the event. And wonder why we have all this regulation and organisation when all we need to do is pull on some basic kit and head off over a peak or two.
BUT I would not have wanted to be the organiser (remember Kentmere 94) when a runner was never to return or dread the inquest.
Certainty is what we human beings crave. Whether it be income, relationships, family, routine, work etc. When we get to a certain point (maybe our 30s 40s) we are prepared to dip our toes into the occasional uncertainty that these mountains inevitably throw up. And it offers a more important escape from the certain drudgery that modern life has sculptored.

The Free-spiritedness is a very personal one and not something that is easily shared because at different points in life, one's perception of it is different because we change too.

But the desire to lose oneself in the hills will remain. Whether by design or not.

[mr brightside]

Many interesting and fine words on the subject about this 'Mythical Spirit'.

I guess we want to look back at 'innocent' unspoilt times of hap hazard, ill preparedness that we all laugh at after the event. And wonder why we have all this regulation and organisation when all we need to do is pull on some basic kit and head off over a peak or two.
BUT I would not have wanted to be the organiser (remember Kentmere 94) when a runner was never to return or dread the inquest.
Certainty is what we human beings crave. Whether it be income, relationships, family, routine, work etc. When we get to a certain point (maybe our 30s 40s) we are prepared to dip our toes into the occasional uncertainty that these mountains inevitably throw up. And it offers a more important escape from the certain drudgery that modern life has sculptored.

The Free-spiritedness is a very personal one and not something that is easily shared because at different points in life, one's perception of it is different because we change too.

But the desire to lose oneself in the hills will remain. Whether by design or not.

The drudgery of modern life is like a prison

[mr brightside]

...a prison for your mind Neo

[Chris K]

There was plenty of free spirit (despite the bar prices!) at the FRA dinner last night and it was certainly in evidence at the AGM earlier in the day where we raced through the formal business in just under 15 minutes!

[Fat Bloke]

It clearly means (a variation on) different things to different people.

For me it is (and always was) a mixture of running in places that are relatively wild and innaccessible to others, coupled with races that are, in both tangible and intangible ways, a million miles from the road races I've done.

fb

[alf.t]

The drudgery of modern life is like a prison

Mr B,

I actually work in a prison. Thankfully when the door clanks behind as I leave, there is a great view of Cumbrian fells that take only a handful of minutes to reach. The freedom perhaps is sweeter knowing what prison is like.

[No vice]

The FRA is 40 years old next year. Since this forum started there has been a lot of talk about the 'spirit of fellrunning'. What is this spirit of which they talk? It is certainly not the spirit that immediate members of my family see from well over 35 years in the sport. The sport has changed, unfortunately due to modern life it cannot be as free spirited as it once was. Alot of people want things now, they need to know what they are doing in 3, 4 ,5 months time. Massive pre-entry is not in the old spirit but maybe there is a new spirit.

Newby point of view:

'Spirit of Fellrunning' is about Fellrunning

Pre-entry etc applies to fell racing? Runnings not all about racing.... The racings changed, has the running?

[Guick Dotto]

What's all the fuss about fellrunning being in trouble because the average age of competitors is 40? Every race I go to now the entries are burgeoning. I did Guisborough Three Tops today. If you want that old time feel have a go at the races on the North York Moors; couldn't be more authentic. Bravo Dave Parry!