Pen-y-ghent Fell Race
This year, the Pen-y-ghent fell race will be hosting of the Inter-Counties Mountain Race and British Mountain Running Championships. The race will also be used for the English Team selection for the Snowdon Race on July 19th, 2025.
Please note that the race date and start times have been changed to Saturday 14th June 2025 to accommodate the hosting of these races, with the Ladies Race starting at 13.30 followed by the Men’s Race at 14:00.
The race route has changed for 2025. The outrun is exactly the same as all previous years, descending off the summit until you arrive at the finger post. At this point, the route has changed and follows the 3 Peaks route on the Pennine Way, descending to the gate at the end of Horton Scar Lane. The route then follows the path over Whitber Hill to meet the Pennine Way at Jackdaw Hill. It now turns left to head back down the Pennine Way into Horton. The new route has slightly more climb and slightly more mileage.
The race is run under FRA Rules, and is an ideal entry race for those inspiring to bigger mountain races and with any new route, there are new course records to be collected.
Rules:
The race is run under FRA rules, therefore:
All runners must read the principles of fell running and the requirements for runners, including the recent rule changes.
These documents include details of the full FRA mandatory minimum kit that you must bring on the day.
FRA Mandatory Minimum Kit:
Waterproof whole body cover (with taped seams and integrated attached hood), hat, gloves, map of the route, compass, whistle and emergency food.
There will be checks! It is also strongly recommended that runners carry some water – especially if the weather is hot.
If you retire, you MUST report back to race control at the start or the race in the playing field. Please ensure you do this, as nobody wants to spend hours out hunting for people who are already enjoying a nice hot bath at home!
Entry:
Entries will open on the 1st February.
There will be no entries taken on the day.
Enter online via SI Entries to secure your place, entries are £12.
Registration:
Race registration, for the collection of race numbers, will be in the Pavilion on the playing fields.
Car Parking:
There will be parking on the playing fields for the princely price of a £3 per car. Please remember to bring spare change.
Course:
One of the few ‘mountain course’ events in Yorkshire, which is in the AM category. The race leaves the gala field and follows the road through the village towards Bracken Bottom. Turn left over the river bridge after the church to gain the road passing the school. Leave this road at Bracken Bottom (GR 817723) to begin the climb up through limestone pastures.
On gaining the ridge, a very steep scramble breaks through the southern crags to the summit of Pen-y-Ghent (GR 838734) and the 1st check point. (Please keep your number clearly visible) Cross over the wall and turn right (Marshall’s will direct you) and follow the 4 x 4 grassy track by the wall that leads to the finger post, this will be flagged (GR 837742). From the finger post, follow the Pennine Way and 3 Peaks Path down the hill, passing Horton Scar Lane on your left and climb upwards to Whitber Hill. At Whitber Hill, you will pass through the 2nd Check Point. Keeping on the 3 Peaks Footpath, head towards Jackdaw Hill and the Pennine Way. On meeting the Pennine way turn left, returning to Horton following this Path until it exits at The Crown pub and bridge in Horton. On entering the road be guided by the Marshals and keep left once over the bridge following the footpath as you head back to the playing fields.
The route is only flagged from the top of PYG to the Finger Post, Marshall’s will be placed around the course to support. There are two official check points, at the top of PYG and Whitber Hill. This is open rights of way and footpaths, therefore you’re welcome to run the route pre to race day.
Prize Giving:
This will take place after 16.00 as soon as circumstances permit at the Pavilion House.
Toilets:
These will be available on the playing fields as well as at the Yorkshire Dales National Park car park.
Facilities:
There’s lots for the family to do in the area, Settle town centre is a short drive away and for those making a weekend of it, there is plenty of accommodation locally. Details of attractions and places to stay are available from Settle Tourist Information Centre (Tel: 01729 825192).
Accommodation:
There are a number of campsites around Settle, and there is YHA in Ingleton, along with numerous Bed & Breakfast places locally.
Finally:
Have a fantastic day, and good luck to all the runners.
Race Information
Date
Saturday 14th June 2025
Start Time & Location
Ladies Race 13.30 on the Playing Fields.
Men’s Race 14:00 on the Playing Fields.Car Parking
Parking will be available on the Horton in Ribblesdale Playing Fields. There will be a charge of £2.00 per car.
Distance & Climb
AM, 12.2km/7.6mls – 500m/1640ft.
Minimum Age
18 Years.
Race Kit
Full FRA kit, this is mandatory.
Race Limit
There is a race limited of 400 runners
(350 online and 50 places being held for elite runners).Entry
Entries will open on the 1st February 2025.
There will be no entries taken on the day.Please enter online at SI Entries to secure your place £12.
Race Organiser
Gary Allsopp
Telephone: 07971118683
e-mail:Records
Ladies:
Emma Clayton 56:50 (2023).
Bingley Harriers
Mens:
Jonathan Cox 48:51 (2023).
Eden RunnersThese are the old route records.
So with the change of route, new records are up for grabs in 2025.
