Pen-y-ghent Fell Race

The fell race is on Saturday, 3rd June 2023, with a brand new route. The outrun is exactly the same as in previous years, all the way to Hull Pot, and where the route used to go up onto Whitber Hill it turns left just before the pot to head back down into Horton.  The new route has slightly less climb but 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! The race organiser may change to this rule on the day if the weather is glorious, of course. 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:
Enter online via SI Entries to secure your place, £10.
Entry on the day if the race limit has not been reached £15.

Registration:
Race registration for you to collect your number, and for people to enter on the day, 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 £1, please drop it in the honesty box at registration.

Course:
The current records shown are for the old course, with the change of route, a new course record will be set this year.

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). The fast descent (note route change in 2017) to the finger post (GR 837742) is followed by a variety of possible routes to head towards Hull Pot (GR 825745), with the checkpoint just before it on Foxup Road, so no shortcuts.  Then left to follow Foxup Road down towards Horton.  Through the gate and onto Horton Scar Lane, carrying on down through the gates and past a building on the left.

Follow the long bend to the right and then a sharper one to the left and another to the left.  Continue on, bearing to the right to pick up the lane back into Horton.  At the lane end, right onto the metal road and back to the playing fields and the finish, where there maybe some cake.

The route is not flagged, so anyone with serious ambitions should be doing some homework in case the weather is poor.

Prize Giving:
This will take place as soon as our competence permits on the Gala field.

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 from Settle Tourist Information Centre (Tel: 01729 825192).

Toilets:
These are available at the pavilion in the playing fields as well as at the Yorkshire Dales National Park car park.

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.

Results for 2023 race.

Results for 2022 race.

The 2020 and 2021 races were cancelled.

Results for 2019 race.

Results for 2018 race.

Results for 2017 race.

Results for 2016 race.

Results for 2015 race.

  • Date

    Saturday 1st June 2024

  • Start Time & Location

    3.00 pm on the Playing Fields

  • Car Parking

    There will be parking on the playing fields.

  • Distance & Climb

    AM, 11km/6.8mls – 485m/1590ft

  • Minimum Age

    18 Years

  • Entry

    Enter online to secure your place £10.
    Entry on the day if the race limit has not been reached £15.

  • Records

    Ladies:
    Emma Clayton
    Bingley Harriers 56:50 (2023).

    Mens:
    Jonathan Cox
    Eden Runners 48:51 (2023).

Pen-y-ghent Fell Race Route Map