Borrowdale Fell Race

This is the 53rd running of the Borrowdale fell race, which this year is a counter in the English Championship.

Entries Via Sportident

When the event is full (350 places), more places will become available as/when folk cancel their entry. Participants can also sell their entry if they can't make it to the event.

The event is now full (20th July) but see above.

For the avoidance of doubt - NO ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED ON THE DAY.

Queries
Queries about entries or eligibility should be directed to Scoffer (Andrew Schofield) sc04rr@gmail.com

Route
17 miles including 6500 feet of ascent (27km, 2000m) starting and finishing at the Scafell Hotel, Rosthwaite at 11am and visiting the following checkpoints:

Start/Finish - Scafell Hotel Rosthwaite 258148
1 - Bessy Boot summit 258125
2 - Esk Hause shelter 235083
3 - Scafell Pike summit 215072
4 - Styhead stretcher box 219095 (closes 2.20 pm)
5 - Great Gable summit 211104
6 - Honister Hause 225135 (closes 3.30 pm)
7 - Dalehead summit 223154

The route at the beginning is pretty much fixed. Start down the lane and turn right over Hazel Bank bridge then turn right and follow the walled track all the way to Stonethwaite bridge which you cross. In Stonethwaite turn right down to the school where you turn left past the church. The route to Bessy Boot will be through Chapel Farm  follow the big path and pass through two gates onto the fell. The route from here to the fell wall is usually flagged and Mr Bland will be there to cheer you on.  The route then goes up Rottenstone Gill to Bessyboot. From her on the route is pretty much up to you and you need to be able to navigate to the remaining checkpoints.

From Tarn at Leaves  you need to do a slowly climbing traverse on the Langstrath side of Glaramara until you are near to High House Tarns beyond which you should traverse under Allen Crags on the Grains Gill side to reach Checkpoint 2 at the Esk Hause shelter.

From now on the route gets rougher underfoot and it is safest to stick to the main path to Checkpoint 3 at Scafell Pike but be careful as there are quite a few paths at Esk Hause

Fro the Pike you can either retrace your steps back to Broad Crag col and then turn left down the corridor route or you can cut the corner and go down the scree to hit the corridor route lower down. The corridor path is a safe option but there are many and various lines you could follow to take you to Checkpoint 4 at Styhead Tarn stretcher box. This checkpoint will close at2.20 pm and if you arrive after that time you will be required to leave the race and make your way back to the finish via Seathwaite.

Climb Great Gable (Check point 5) using the main path. From the summit make your way down to Windy Gap. The path is a safe route but there are others lines which may or may not be faster. Contour round Green Gable on its eastern flank (do NOT be suckered into descending onto the Base Brown ridge) then you need to make your way around Brandreth and Grey Knotts and there are many suitable lines  to follow. You can now see Checkpoint 6 at Honister and it is a good grassy descent. This checkpoint will close at 3.30 pm and if you are late you will be required to retire from the race and make your way to the finish down the road.

The climb up to checkpoint 7 at Dale Head initially follows the fence and there is a good path all the way to the cairn at the top (and a spectacular view down Newlands to Skiddaw).

The descent is enjoyable with the best line South of Dalehead Tarn to the top of the old quarry at Rigg Head. From here there are a good few options so either follow to path or take a line to bring you out under the top waste heap. At the foot of the quarry there is a wall crossing which you must use and from her on you can just let yourself go and race down a lovely green grass slope. Cross the river by the stepping stones and run up th elane to the finish.

Eligibility
To be eligible to compete in Borrowdale Fell Race, runners must have previous experience of long, arduous fell races and, if they have not previously completed Borrowdale Fell Race, runners must have completed at least two different category A or B long or two different category A medium fell races (race categories as defined by the Fell Runners Association) since 1st January 2023. Entry to Borrowdale Fell Race will be refused to any runner who cannot demonstrate such experience.

Whatever the weather, runners must carry WATERPROOF full body cover (with a hood attached to the top and the seams must be taped), a hat, gloves, a map suitable for navigating round the route of the Race, a compass, a whistle and emergency food.

THE USE OF GPS DEVICES FOR NAVIGATION DURING THE RACE IS PROHIBITED.