Whernside Fell Race

It’s back, but different, after over a decade. A race to the top of Yorkshire.
A varied course with a fast start under the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct. Then straight up the old hikers route to the top of Whernside, a steep and very direct climb. From there you’ll turn right (N) towards the summit of Whernside and follow the main 3 peaks walkers route back down to join the Dales Highway. Then the sprint past Blea Moor signal box back to the finish by The Station Inn for a well earned refreshment.
It is incredibly important to stick to the road and tracks between the viaduct and getting on to the fell. No cutting corners across the fields. The first field over the stile (after leaving the track) is private land, so please stick to the trod with the wall on your right.
Being its first year, this is an opportunity to set a course record on the highest fell in Yorkshire.

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.  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 are open.
Please enter online via SI Entries to secure your place.

  • Pre Entry is £8

Entry on the day if the limit has not been reached is £10.

Registration:
For on the day entries and the collection of race numbers, registration will be open from 6pm in the car park behind The Station Inn. Race start is 7pm.

Car Parking:
There is plentiful car parking at Ribblehead, but please do car share where possible, as parking close by isn’t guaranteed.

Prize Giving:
This will take place after 20:30 as soon as circumstances permit at the registration tent.

Facilities:
There are a number of campsites around Ingleton and a YHA, along with numerous Bed & Breakfast places locally.

Toilets:
There are two portable toilets in the car park behind the pub next to race registration. Please do not use the pub toilets before the race.

Finally:
Have a fantastic evening and good luck to all the runners.

Race Information

  • Date

    Wednesday 1st July 2026

  • Start Time & Location

    19:00 The Station Inn, Ribblehead

  • Distance & Climb

    BM, 10.5km / 6.5m – 468m / 1535ft

  • Minimum Age

    18 Years

  • Entry

    Entries are now open.

    Please enter online £8 via SI Entries to secure your place.

    Enter just the Whernside Fell Race.
    Enter all 4 races of the Yorkshire Dales Classics Race Series for a discounted entry fee.
    Entry on the day if the race limit has not been reached is £10.
    Cash only, we are unable to do contactless.
  • Race Organiser

    Steve Hopwood
    07557768839
    whernside@settleharriers.org

  • Records

    Ladies:
    Alice Goodall
    Carnethy Hill Racing Club 53:53 (2025)

    Mens:
    Matthew Knowles
    Carnethy Hill Racing Club 43:28 (2025)

Previous Races

Results for 2025 race.