Edale Skyline Fell Race

[MickTor]

I think it's changed again, but I can't confirm it Tim. IDP will know.

[IanDarkpeak]

Apologies if this has already been covered (can't be bothered to read all 100 odd pages) but is the route returning to normal after last year's diversion on the descent from Win Hill to Hope, does anyone know?

I think it's changed again, but I can't confirm it Tim. IDP will know.

ahh yes ask Ian... I don't know every thing

but....as far as I know the old original route is probably out as the descent to twitchill Farm through the last field is heavily eroded and is getting dangerous. the plan was to move it to a new grassy line but I can't confirm it just yet will check and get back to you. The rough track was suppose to be temporary last year at the request of the landlord for the above reasons

[fellgazelle]

The descent line taken by the Hope Wakes race last year seemed like a good alternative?
I don't know if this is a possibility though?

[IanDarkpeak]

The descent line taken by the Hope Wakes race last year seemed like a good alternative?
I don't know if this is a possibility though?

I'm not sure where that went Ian, If it's the same from previous years then yes I think it joins that route. but don't take it as gospel. I'll try and find out for definite.

[Sam Harrison]

I'm in also, can't wait, one of my favourite races!. Had a run around the route yesterday (from Mam Tor and minus Win Hill, so quite a bit easier!).

[fozzy]

A lot of unattached runners on the entry list (more so than usual?) - wonder how many entered after the profile in Trail Running Magazine?

There are a lot of U/A runners on the 3P entry list as well, but that's not completely unusual.

Just if you compare to Kentmere, which has just the one U/A runner entered.

Got nothing against U/A runners, but in some circumstances, this will mean that they're not quite prepared for the race. Although I know IanFitz does vet all the entries for experience, so the ones who've entered with no idea (and therefore could be a problem) will hopefully be weeded out.

Just wonder how many completely ignored the qualifying criteria when entering (both U/A and club runners for that matter)

[DazTheSlug]

70/400 Unattached in entry list
50/300 Unattached in 2012 results
not a big discrepancy considering u/a are probably slightly more likely to DNS/DNF

[Stolly]

A lot of unattached runners on the entry list (more so than usual?) - wonder how many entered after the profile in Trail Running Magazine?

There are a lot of U/A runners on the 3P entry list as well, but that's not completely unusual.

Just if you compare to Kentmere, which has just the one U/A runner entered.

Got nothing against U/A runners, but in some circumstances, this will mean that they're not quite prepared for the race. Although I know IanFitz does vet all the entries for experience, so the ones who've entered with no idea (and therefore could be a problem) will hopefully be weeded out.

Just wonder how many completely ignored the qualifying criteria when entering (both U/A and club runners for that matter)

I'm unattached.... and proud of it . I've done shed loads of events too, many of which eat the Edale Skyline and 3 Peaks for breakfast. Are you being non-running clubist?

[fozzy]

I'm unattached.... and proud of it . I've done shed loads of events too, many of which eat the Edale Skyline and 3 Peaks for breakfast. Are you being non-running clubist?

No, not at all.

It just seemed strange that there was such a high proportion of UA runners on the entry list, compared to, for example Kentmere.

It's more the proportion you might expect from a road race, which is what got me thinking, that's all.

My worry, as always with the longer, more tricky fell races is that some enter them thinking, well I can run 20miles on the road, this can't be any harder. Well, yes, it can and is.

I am perfectly aware that there are runners who are unattached and more than capable of running Edale and other races which are too hard for me (Wasdale and Ennerdale for example), such as yourself Stolly.

Sometimes a club can be a bit of a safety net for some of these races, where the more experienced runners can point out how hard a particular race is and what they should do to prepare. UA runners don't always have this. On the other hand, I know that there are some club runners on the 3P entry list that have never run a fell race (not from my club btw), and will have been persuaded by their clubmates to do it I am sure.

[Stolly]

Fundamentally I don't believe fell races (or trail races or road races) are particularly for any type of runner, club runner, non-club runner, fast runner or slow. Edale and the 3P both ask those applying to list their previous AL category race experience and, with Edale, I think they might even do spot checks on that. Equally both apply cut offs too, Edale at Mam Nick and 3P at Ribblehead and Chapel le Dale - those cutoffs really put pressure on runners thinking of biting off more than they can chew.

Either way the only way to get experience in these sort of races is to actually give them a bash

Edit: And another thing, if you then jump from AL fell races to ultra distance stuff, very few runners relatively speaking run as, or at least announce themselves as, club runners - have a look at the Lakeland 100 entry list for example. For sure you don't see that many club vests at ultra races