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Lake District · Year-Round

Lakeland Classic Fell Races & AM Category

The heartland of British fell running. From classic AM category races like Skiddaw and Blencathra to the iconic long classics like Borrowdale and Wasdale — the Lake District is the home of fell running.

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Brennan & Kat Townshend — Lakeland Fell Running Specialists

Brennan has won multiple Lake District fell races including Skiddaw, Newlands Memorial, Buttermere Sailbeck and Grisedale Horseshoe. Kat has competed in the English Fell Running Championships at Ennerdale. This is our home ground.

About Lakeland Fell Racing

Fell running is one of Britain's oldest athletic traditions, and the Lake District is its spiritual home. Races range from short, steep 5km blasts to all-day mountain epics covering 40+ miles. The Fell Runners Association (FRA) categorises races from A (short, steep) to C (long and mountainous), with the AM category representing the classic medium-length fell race.

Classic Lakeland Fell Races

  • Skiddaw Fell Race — AM · One of the most popular races in the Lake District. From Keswick town to the summit of Skiddaw and back.
  • Newlands Memorial Race — A challenging horseshoe race through the Newlands Valley fells.
  • Buttermere Sailbeck — A classic Lakeland horseshoe race above Buttermere.
  • Grisedale Horseshoe — A tough horseshoe race over the Eastern Fells.
  • Ennerdale Horseshoe — Part of the English Fell Running Championships. Long, serious and remote.
  • Borrowdale Fell Race — One of the most prestigious AL category races. 17 miles, 6,500ft — a true classic.
  • Wasdale Fell Race — The hardest AL category race in England. 21 miles over the highest peaks in the Lake District.
  • Blencathra — Multiple classic races on this iconic mountain above Keswick.

FRA Race Categories Explained

  • A = Short, up to 8km, minimum 50m per km ascent
  • B = Medium, 8-20km, minimum 25m per km ascent
  • C = Long, over 20km, minimum 25m per km ascent
  • M = Medium, BM = Between B and C, AL = Long A-standard — the hardest category
  • AM races are the bread and butter of competitive fell running

Preparation Tips

Train on the Fells

Fell racing rewards specific fell fitness — uphill power, technical descending, route knowledge. Road and trail running helps but cannot replace time on the actual fells.

Learn to Descend

Technical descending is the biggest differentiator in fell racing. Practice controlled downhill running on loose, uneven ground. This is where races are won and lost.

Race Regularly

The best fell runners race frequently — often weekly through the season. Racing is training. Enter local races as practice before targeting your key events.

Navigation for Longer Races

AM and longer category races often include unmarked sections. Carry a compass and know how to use it. Some races in poor visibility require genuine navigation ability.

Training for Lakeland Fell Races?

We build bespoke training plans and coaching packages for this race. Get in touch to discuss your preparation.

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