Borrowdale Fell Race

Borrowdale Fell Race

Borrowdale Fell Race is a long fell race held in Borrowdale with a route of 17 miles and approximately 6500 feet of ascent (27 km, 2000 m). The course starts and finishes at the Scafell Hotel in Rosthwaite and visits several high points and checkpoints, including Bessy Boot summit, Esk Hause shelter, Scafell Pike summit, Styhead stretcher box, Great Gable summit, Honister Hause and Dalehead summit. The route to Bessy Boot goes through Chapel Farm and up Rottenstone Gill.

The event is limited to 350 competitors. Entry opens 15 June 2026 and closes 31 July 2026. The minimum age to compete is 18. The entry fee is listed as £16. No entries are accepted on the day.

Eligibility requires previous experience of long, arduous fell races. Runners who have not previously completed this race must have completed at least two different category A or B long fell races or two different category A medium fell races since 1 January 2024, as defined by the Fell Runners Association.

Mandatory kit includes waterproof full body cover with an attached hood and taped seams, a hat, gloves, a map suitable for navigating the route, a compass, a whistle and emergency food. The use of GPS devices for navigation during the race is prohibited. The Styhead stretcher box checkpoint closes at 2.20 pm and the Honister Hause checkpoint closes at 3.30 pm. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.