British Police Fell Race Championships 2013
Cumbria
The event will now be hosted near Penrith in Cumbria on Tuesday 14 May 2013 starting at 12.30pm. (Note earlier start time than in previous years).
This event is sanctioned by the Police Sport UK but is not an official Police Sport UK Championship event. The race venue and course for the 2013 event has been kindly hosted and assisted by members of Cumbria Constabulary Athletics Section.
2013 Entries
2013 Event Entry Form - Word Document
Course Map (pdf)
2013 Entry List and Final Results
Race Course
The course will go over the lower fells from Askham towards Arthurs Pike and Bonscale Tower. There will then be a steep descent towards Mellsguard before returning towards Swarthbeck Ghyll. The route then climbs steeply up the right hand side of Swarthbeck Ghyll before crossing over the river and returning to Arthurs Pike. You will then retrace your steps to the finish at the cattle grid above the village of Askham.
Race Venue, Race Registration and Presentation Venue
The registration will be at the Queens Head Inn, Askham , Penrith, CA10 2HP. This will also be the venue for the post-race meal and presentation. (Please use this post code for directions if using Satnav)
Accommodation
As usual, there is no official accommodation provided. Competitors are asked to make their own arrangements. Bed and Breakfast and hotel accommodation can be found in the area.
Suggested accommodation nearby:
The Queens Head Inn, Askham
Tel No 01931 712225
Travel Lodge, Penrith( Just off the M6 at Jct 40 towards Keswick).
There are plenty of local B & Bs in Penrith.
Directions
From the M6 (Heading North or South) exit at junction 40 Penrith and follow signs for the A66 East Scotch Corner. At the next roundabout follow the signs for the A6 South into Eamont Bridge. At the mini roundabout turn right towards Pooley Bridge and follow into Yanwath Village. Take the next left signposted Askham. As you enter the village the Queens Head Inn is on the left.
If travelling from the East on the A66 turn left onto the A6 at the Kemplay Bank Roundabout (Just prior to junction with the M6) signposted Shap and follow the directions as above.
Parking
There is some parking at the Queens Head but additional parking can be found at the village hall which signposted immediately before the entrance to the pub.
Shower and Changing Facilities
As with most fell races there are no showers or changing facilities
Start
The start and finish will be close to the race registration point on Clough Road.
Map and Checkpoints
The start and finish will be a 10 min walk away from registration.
Start: Cattle Grid, Askham (GR507235)
CP1: Arthurs Pike (GR 461206)
CP2: Bonscale Tower (GR 453202)
CP3: Mellguards junction with gate and track (GR 445195)
CP4: Swarthbeck Ghyll (GR 453207)
CP5: Arthurs Pike (GR 461206)
Finish: Cattle Grid (GR 507235)
The course will go over the lower fells from Askham towards Arthurs Pike and Bonscale Tower. There will then be a steep descent towards Mellsguard before returning towards Swarthbeck Ghyll. The route then climbs steeply up the right hand side of Swarthbeck Ghyll before crossing over the river and returning to Arthurs Pike. You will then retrace your steps to the finish at the cattle grid above the village of Askham.
The terrain is undulating with a gradual climb to Arthur’s pike. It can be quite boggy in places especially with our summer weather!
The course will not be flagged and if the mist is down navigation can be tricky. There will be a marshal at all the checkpoints. Race numbers should be given verbally to the marshal and please check they have your number.
The route does not take in any high fells but will still be demanding over open fell land with a short technical descent from Bonscale Tower and steep climb up Swarthbeck Ghyll.
It is approximately 11 miles with just over 2500ft of ascent.
Course Map (pdf)
Mapping
You will need to carry a copy of the OS map for this area.
Course Map (pdf)
Compulsory Kit Requirement
Competitors will need to carry the following equipment:-
1. Windproof top body cover
2. Map
3. Compass and Whistle
4. Suitable footwear for fell running
5. Waterproof full body cover (Only if poor weather conditions)
Each competitor should have navigational skills and be able to use a map and compass if required. Random kit checks will be carried out so please ensure you carry the required kit for the conditions. Any kit found missing will incur a time penalty.
Entry Field
The Championships are likely to attract between 50 and 70 runners from 20 UK police forces.
Registration and Pre-Race Briefing
Registration will be at the Queens Head Inn from 11.00am to 12.15pm. Race numbers and pins will be issued. A final pre-race briefing will take at 12.25pm from the start.
Post Race Meal and Presentation of Trophies
A hot meal will be provided at the Queens Head from 2.30pm. This will be followed by a formal presentation of trophies and prizes at approximately 3.00pm.
Trophies/Prizes
Men:
1st, 2nd and 3rd - Open
1st, 2nd and 3rd - Vet 40+
1st - Vet 45, Vet 50
1st, 2nd and 3rd Open Mixed Force Teams (First three to count including ladies)
1st - Veteran 40+ Mixed Team (First three to count)
Women:
1st, 2nd and 3rd - Open
1st - Vet 40+
NB. Additional prizes may be added subject to entry volume.
British Police Fell Race Entry
The entry fee will be £12.00. This fee covers the cost of the presentation buffet and the awards and prizes. A link to download the official entry form is below.
2013 Event Entry Form - Word Document
Qualification
Competitors must be fully paid members of their respective force sports clubs and be a police officer, police staff, retired police/police staff (in receipt of a police pension) or member of the special constabulary/police volunteers. (If in doubt please refer to the www.policesportuk.com website for a detailed definition) No guests are permitted.
Pre-Race Recognisance
There are no objections to teams or individuals reconnoitring the course.
Closing Date
The closing date is early May 2012 - There are no entry fee refunds but name substitutions to pre-paid entries will be allowed on the day.
Note: Late or on-day entries will be accepted from forces who have already submitted the bulk of their teams. Other late entries will be discretional with discussion with the event coordinator.
Entry Confirmation
All competitors will receive a confirmation of their entry and any late briefing information by email. If you are submitting blck team entries then please ensure you include individual email on each entry form.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or require any other information.
Vol 20785 Steve Broadbent
Police Sport UK Athletics Section – British Police Fell Race Coordinator
Mobile Tel: 07974 795466
Email: Steve Broadbent
Local Host/Contact
PC 919 Richard Mavin HQ Training Department, Carleton Hall Penrith Tel No 01768 217644
2012 Event
2012 Final Results
2013 Event Links
2013 Event Entry Form - Word Document
Course Map (pdf)
2013 Entry List and Final Results
