Fell races, what are they?

[IainR]

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!

I can't see why the fuss is happening.. but dammed if you do dammed if you don't..

whether its a championship race is for the FRA to decide.. personally I'd be dissapointed if the race was ran and it was removed from the championship.. but regardless thats not your focus.

I love running in bad conditions, so if doing it, would want the race on. I can understand thoughts to cancel due to safety concerns, pressure on local infrastructure etc; actual safety on the hill doesn't concern me much TBH, its a fell race, at the end of winter, its also a very escapable fell race. As you mentioned people should be trusted to make their own decisions.