English Senior Fell Championship 2026 - Preview, History & How to Prepare
- High Peak Running
- Oct 18
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 22
English Senior Fell Running Championship 2026 – Preview, History & How to Prepare
The English Senior Fell Running Championship 2026, organised by the Fell Runners Association (FRA) and proudly sponsored by Pete Bland Sports and Inov8, promises another thrilling year of competitive fell running across some of England’s toughest and most beautiful terrain.
A Brief History of the English Fell Running Championship
The English Fell Running Championship has been a cornerstone of UK fell running since its inception in the 1980s. Designed to test a runner’s endurance, climbing ability, and technical descending skills, the championship brings together the best fell runners from across the country. Each season, a series of races — varying in distance and difficulty — determines who will be crowned English Champion. Over the years, legendary names have graced the leader boards, and the competition continues to be a true test of grit, fitness, and fell craft.
The 2026 Race Series
The 2026 championship will feature a classic mix of short, medium, and long races designed to challenge every aspect of a fell runner’s ability. To do well in the overall standings, competitors must be masters of all distances — capable of explosive efforts on steep short courses and endurance over gruelling long routes.
Provisional 2026 Race List
Saturday 21st February – Doctor’s Gate (AL)
A classic long winter test in the Dark Peak, Doctor’s Gate offers a true baptism of grit for the opening round. Expect tough moorland climbs, fast descents, and often wild February weather — a perfect curtain-raiser for the season ahead.
Saturday 7th March – Black Combe (AM)
Set on the Cumbrian coast, this iconic medium race is famous for its sweeping views (when the mist allows!) and leg-burning climbs. The rolling terrain of Black Combe demands strong uphill running and confident navigation — a true fell classic.
Saturday 18th April – Blackstone Edge (AS)
Short, sharp, and technical, Blackstone Edge near the Pennine hills packs a punch. Steep ascents and rocky descents make this race a fast and furious battle where agility and fearless descending can make all the difference.
Sunday 28th June – Blencathra (AM)
One of the Lake District’s most recognisable peaks, Blencathra offers a stunning yet demanding mid-season challenge. Runners tackle steep, grassy climbs and exposed ridgelines — an exhilarating reminder of why fell running is like no other sport.
Saturday 25th July – Aldermans Ascent (AS)
A summer short race in the Saddleworth Moors, Aldermans Ascent delivers intense climbs and rapid descents over open terrain. Expect a festival-like atmosphere and tight racing — a real favourite among the short-distance specialists.
Saturday 12th September – Old Crown Round (AL)
The grand finale in the Northern Fells of Cumbria is a long, scenic, and punishing loop linking several summits around the Old Crown pub in Hesket Newmarket. Legendary for its distance and elevation, it’s the perfect climax to a hard-fought championship season.
All dates are provisional and will be confirmed in the 2026 FRA Handbook (due December time).
Training for the Fell Running Season
At High Peak Running, we know what it takes to perform at your best across the season. Our head coach, who was runner-up in the 2022 English Championships, brings valuable first-hand experience of what it takes to compete at the sharp end of the field.
Our approach to fell running training blends:
Hill-specific strength work for powerful climbs and controlled descents
Speed sessions to maintain efficiency and leg turnover
Endurance training to handle long days in the hills
Technical running drills to improve agility and confidence on rough ground
The Importance of Strength & Conditioning
A well-structured strength and conditioning programme is often the missing piece in many runners’ preparation. Fell running places huge demands on the body — from the quads and calves needed for steep climbs, to the core and stabilising muscles that keep you upright on rocky descents. Building strength not only enhances performance but also plays a vital role in injury prevention.
We focus on exercises that mirror the movements of fell running: single-leg balance work, step-ups, weighted hill sprints, and controlled downhill drills to build durability. Core strength, hip stability, and ankle mobility all contribute to more efficient running form and reduced fatigue over long, technical races.
Incorporating just two focused S&C sessions per week can make a remarkable difference in both power and resilience — helping you stay strong throughout the championship season.
Route Recces – Knowledge is Power
In fell running, knowing the course can be just as important as fitness. Route recces (course recces) allow you to familiarise yourself with tricky navigation points, identify the best racing lines, and understand where to push or conserve energy. Many championship routes include open fell sections where navigation is key — and those who have recced the course often gain valuable minutes. We always recommend spending time on each championship route where possible, especially for long and complex races like Doctor’s Gate and the Old Crown Round.
Fuelling for Performance and Recovery
Fell running burns huge amounts of energy — especially over long races with big climbs. A solid fuelling strategy before, during, and after training or racing can dramatically improve performance and recovery. Before training or racing, focus on carbohydrate-rich meals to ensure your glycogen stores are topped up. During longer events, small, easily digestible snacks or gels every 30–45 minutes can keep energy levels steady. Post-race or post-training, aim for a mix of protein and carbohydrates within 30 minutes to promote muscle repair and refuel your system for the next session.
The Value of a Structured Training Plan
Success in a championship series doesn’t happen by chance — it’s built through consistency and smart planning. A structured training plan helps balance intensity, recovery, and progression to ensure you’re peaking at the right times. At High Peak Running, we create tailored programmes that factor in your race calendar, life commitments, and training background. Periodised training — with specific phases for base endurance, strength, race sharpening, and tapering — ensures steady progress without burnout.
We’ve successfully coached many fell runners to reach peak condition for their racing season — from local club athletes to national-level competitors.
Free 4-Week Base Training Plan Example
Below is a simple 4-week base-phase plan to build aerobic fitness, strength, and hill endurance ahead of harder race-specific training.
Progression tip: Each week, increase your long run or hill session by about 10%. After week 3, cut back slightly in week 4 for recovery before moving into your next phase.
Comments