Sedbergh Hills Fell Race
Info: New entries for this event closed on Saturday 17th August 2024 at 20:00.
| FRA Member | £12.00 | |
| Non Member | £15.00 |
- Venue: People's Hall, Howgill Lane, Sedbergh.
- Start: 11am
- Entry limit: 450 - No entry on day
- Parking: ONLY at Sedbergh School, Lupton Fields What3words - prefect.enough.nibbled
The Sedbergh Hills Fell Race is a longstanding classic now in it's 44th year of running. The race covers 22.5km / 14miles with a hefty 6000ft of climbing over the Howgill Fells. This is a category AL fell race and no small feat especially in poor weather/visibility - please hone your navigational ability in advance. Likewise, there is limited water on route that brings additional challenge in hot conditions.
Please ONLY park in advertised race parking detailed above. Race HQ is at the People's Hall where you must have your kit checked before receiving your dibber. Registration will open at 9am and final registration will be at 10:45am.
Winners Trophy
The Darren Kay trophy will be presented to the winners every year. Thankyou for your continued support.
Good luck to everyone competing and enjoy the day.
Records
To get some of the whippets excited, a £100 cash prize is available for breaking either the male or female record:
Male record: K Anderson - 01:57:11 - 1991
Female record: V Wilkinson - 02:19:34 - 2014
As a momento from your day, you're invited to purchase a commemorative patch (2023) that goes towards supporting the continued running of the race. At £5 each, the small profit from each patch is reinvested into the race to help cover this years costs and support the race into the future. They are 52mm by 59mm and can attach onto bags, towels or whatever you like. Purchase at race checkout to avoid disappointment as there are very limited numbers being made. Collection at race registration.
Race Route - for the uninitiated and navigationally challenged
The race begins from the peoples hall for an exuberant and fresh sprint down along the road, up a small incline, through Lockbank Farm and onto the open fell. This is the only gate you will go through and encounter during the race so long as you don't go really, really wrong. On the fell, the race climbs steeply and those who were a little bit excited will sheepishly retreat back into the field. The climb continues with periods of false flats around the terrace path of Winder before a final sharp climb up to CP1 on Arant Haw. Please take a moment to remember our good friend Darren Kay who's favourite spot was the peak of this hill. Head West off Arant Haw descending rapidly into Chapel Beck passing a delapidated sheep pen before a very steep (take care) descent just before the river crossing. Cross the river and begin the steep climb up to Castley Knotts through thick bracken to CP2. Head north through more bracken to pick up a track that soon climbs around the waist of Fell Head before developing into a wonderful alpine like terrace through to Black Force CP3. Now the race begins. Until the next checkpoint, heading directly East via the cols will get you there but it's worth a recce. There are some faint trods but most is completly pathless in this remote part of the Howgills. Take particular care navigating as in thick clag it is easy to get disorientated without due care. There are three climbs with the final one around Hazelgill Knott particularly unrelenting and long. After skirting the neck of Hazelgill Knott, steeply descend into Bowderdale valley to CP4. The final main climb is long and extended following a good track up to the highest point of The Howgills - The Calf CP5. Those who have saved their running legs will cash in from here through to the final checkpoint along the bridleway to Winder CP6. From Winder you're only a short distance from the finish, unfortunately for your quads, the fastest way is a very steep grassy descent directly off the south side, through Lockbank Farm, along the road to the Finish - A prize is available for the fastest female and male time between CP6 and the Finish.
Significant Fell Running experience essential.
START Peoples Hall GR 655923
CP1 Arant Haw summit GR 662947
CP2 Castley Knott summit GR 642963
CP3 Stream junction nr Black Force GR 647997
CP4 Stream junction in Bowderdale GR 679996
CP5 Calf summit GR 668970
CP6 Winder summit GR 654933
FINISH Peoples Hall GR 655923
Cut offs - these will be strictly enforced and runners should note that it is their OWN responsibility to make their way back to HQ under their own steam.
- Arant Haw 40min
- Castley Knott 1hr 10min
- Black Force 1hr 50min
- Bowderdale 2hr 50min
- Finish 5hr 00min
Full Kit Required - Kit Check at registration
Random kit checks may be carried out at the finish - anyone found not have been running with any of the required kit will be disqualified.
The use of GPS is forbidden as in line with FRA rules.
Sedbergh Hills is run under FRA rules, please know them!
A variety of refreshments including tea and cakes to be served at HQ - People's Hall, cash only please.
Strictly no dogs on the event field. Dogs found on the field will be donated to rescue kennels.
View the Event Disclaimer / Terms and Conditions.
View the Event Cancellation / Refund Policy.
