Quote Originally Posted by RunnerBean View Post
Hi

I'm new to fell running and have a question about course descriptions. I understand NS races are ones that require nav, and I understand PM races are partially marked (flagged but not continuously taped).

If it's not a stupid question, what about races that are neither PM nor NS? Surely they have to be one or the other i.e. if not flagged you're going to need to navigate, surely?

No specific race in mind, just spent too much time thinking. ☺

Thanks for helping out a newbie!
Races that are NS require navigation skills that use a map and compass, such as dead reckoning and handrailing. Such races generally traverse pathless, open fells that are short on topographical features. NS also indicates that runners may be travelling at altitude, and that low cloud will reduce visibility so far that map and compass skills will become essential to reach checkpoints irrespective of topographical features. PM normally indicates that there is a flagged section of the race that must be followed, such as a run out to a fell gate over private pasture. PM and ER together will indicate that on unflagged sections, experience of moving safely at speed accross rough possibly pathless terrain is required and this is not too dissimilar to the NS requirement in terms of potential for getting geographically mislocated. Races vary, but if you are ever in doubt and need clarification phone the race organiser and ask for details of the course and the flagging. A lot of beginner friendly races will be well marked and marshalled, however a good sense of direction is required at all levels.