Borrowdale Fell Race

Borrowdale Fell Race

Borrowdale Fell Race is a single-day fell race held around Borrowdale with a distance of 17 miles (27 km) and about 6500 feet (2000 m) of ascent. The race starts and finishes at the Scafell Hotel in Rosthwaite and follows a route that visits Bessy Boot, Esk Hause shelter, the summit of Scafell Pike, Styhead stretcher box, Great Gable, Honister Hause and Dalehead.

The route includes sections through Chapel Farm and up Rottenstone Gill on the way to Bessy Boot. Checkpoints on the route include Styhead stretcher box and Honister Hause; these checkpoints have published closing times. Competitors must carry mandatory kit including waterproof full body cover with hood and taped seams, a hat, gloves, a map suitable for the route, a compass, a whistle and emergency food. The use of GPS devices for navigation during the race is prohibited.

Eligibility requires previous experience of long fell races. Runners who have not previously completed the Borrowdale Fell 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. The event is limited to 350 competitors, no entries are accepted on the day, and the minimum age is 18. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.