Cloud Nine
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Cloud 9 Hill Race
Cloud 9 is a mostly off-road nine mile race from Congleton to the summit of Bosley Cloud (1,125 ft) and back via the ancient Bridestones (c 2000 BC). The course covers 9 miles with approximately 1,250 ft of ascent (14.5 km and 381 m) and is classified FRA Category BM.
The event is organised by Congleton Harriers and run under Fell Runners Association rules. Entry fees are £15 and £14 for FRA members plus booking fees, with £1 from each entry donated to the National Trust. All entrants must be over 18 years.
Runners must carry full race kit: waterproof whole body cover (jacket and trousers) with taped seams and an attached hood, plus a hat and gloves. Kit checks are made before the race and runners without complete kit will not be allowed to start. The race is chip timed. Dogs and MP3 players are not permitted. GPS and other electronic devices are not allowed for navigation; the route will be marked and marshalled.
For the 2026 event the main part of the route is run anticlockwise with some modifications around the Biddulph Valley Way while remaining nine miles overall. There is a 60 minute cut off at about 3.9 miles on the downward leg. Registration and changing are based at Congleton Leisure Centre; there is no parking for runners at the centre, but public car parks are nearby.
Course record times include 00:52:10 (male, 2010) and 00:58:53 (female, 2011). Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
