Three Peaks Fell Race

[Jez Hellewell]

Last year (I think, or the year before) they made announcements that there would be strict kit checks, including the carrying of gloves & hat. Cue a bit of a dash to The Pete Bland Van. I ended up with a balaclava as all the hats had gone ! I've never been pulled for having the wrong kit though. However I will always make sure I have everything in my car now, just in case.

Now, this next post is going to stir things up a bit but, here goes;

I didn't run last year but I heard from others that the organisers were significantly stricter about kit requirements and kit checks.

I'm happy to carry whatever is asked of me (within reason!) but there's always this 'grey area' about waterproofs. The FRA requirements are just for windproof, organisers are free to impose additional requirements etc, etc. The race website specifies 'waterproof' unfortunately that's what most organisers put when they just want you to bring a cag. Ideally it would say something like;

'Waterproof, with taped seams (windproof is not acceptable)'

... but it doesn't.

So, here's my question; did anyone get pulled up last year for carrying a windproof, pertex type top and trousers?

Just to repeat; I'm ok to carry either option, but there are strong reasons for not wanting to carry proper waterproofs unless specifically needed. They are heavier, bulkier and more importantly significantly less breathable, which makes them less useful in a race situation (especially if it's the 6-8 deg predicted tomorrow)

Any thoughts?

[Mike T]

Two years ago an hour or so before the race I asked what they wanted me to carry/wear - windproof or waterproof? - the reply was "weatherproof" - I carried/wore pertex. It was jolly cold in the wind on top of Whernside but waterproof would not have made any difference.

[He just fell]

Hi All,

First post and first TPR but been 18 months just fells (got out of that road malarky). Just wanted to say that i'm very excited about the race... but as for all this advice... you've got to run your own race. Carry no food, carry loads... flats or mud claws... sports drink or muddy sheep poo water! Run with what you've used in the last month or so of training; if you try something new on race day... :thunbdown:

Also, wanted to say I'm using this as part of a build up to the Three Peaks Yacht Race in June. If you are too, grab one of the York Knavesmire Harriers in Gold and Black kit and ask 'em which one Jason is we'll catch a beer after.

Good times!

[Howgill Tarrier]

Good little article on the race on the FRA home page. Whets the appetite. Looking forward to a good bit of armchair fell running at the weekend.

Keep the reports coming!

But surely they could have mentioned the main race sponsor a few more times? Far too subtle...

[Will.Race]

Hi All,

First post and first TPR but been 18 months just fells (got out of that road malarky). Just wanted to say that i'm very excited about the race... but as for all this advice... you've got to run your own race. Carry no food, carry loads... flats or mud claws... sports drink or muddy sheep poo water! Run with what you've used in the last month or so of training; if you try something new on race day... :thunbdown:

Also, wanted to say I'm using this as part of a build up to the Three Peaks Yacht Race in June. If you are too, grab one of the York Knavesmire Harriers in Gold and Black kit and ask 'em which one Jason is we'll catch a beer after.

Good times!

Good luck, and if its your first time round the route then I'd take the safe option and carry some food and drink. Better to have a bit too much than not enough. First time I did the route I blew up completely after Hill Inn and was glad I had some supplies.

[AndyA]

Im still stuck on what shoes to wear Andy and you go and throw a curveball in. ;-)

yeah, sorry about that!

It gets worse;

Does a buff count as a hat?!

Does my waterproof/windproof have to have a hood?!

Ive sorted the shoe problem though; one green one and one blue one.

[ShrewsburyShuffler]

mmm - might have to have a rethink then - I was going for one blue one and one red one - all my plans are scuppered.

[Rozzer]

I'm taking a buff as a hat. My coat doesn't have a hood. I've decided on some wave harriers. :-/

[Will.Race]

Once worn pair of More Mile Cheviot 2 for me.

Hat and gloves for me. Hoping they'll relax any waterproof rules on the day

[Hes]

I've just remembered that the first and only time I ran the three peaks as a race I went up some of Whernside sideways I got the piss taken out of me but I had the last laugh when I was able to run off the top and descend quickly, passing the scores of people cramping up. I've run the route plenty of times since and haven't needed to employ that tactic but I might try it again on Saturday if my calves play up :thumbup: