Captain Cooks Fell Race

Event overview

Captain Cooks Fell Race takes place on 1 January 2026 in Great Ayton, North Yorkshire. The event is organised by volunteers from Esk Valley Fell Club and Scarborough AC and forms the sixth counter in the Dave Parry / Lets Run Winter Fell Race Series 2025/26. This is the 41st edition and the 43rd anniversary of the race. The event holds a Fell Runners Association licence (2026-9724) and has permit/insurance arrangements through the FRA.

Distances and climb

• 8 km / 5 miles - 318 m climb (Seniors, Veterans, U18 & U20)
• 4 km / 2.5 miles - 85 m climb (U14 & U16)
• 2.22 km / 1.40 mile - 52 m climb (U12)
• 1.42 km / 0.85 mile - 23 m climb (U10, minimum age applies)

Junior categories use age on 31 December 2026. New FRA junior age categories apply from 1 January 2026.

Course and venue

The senior route is a single lap starting on High Street outside the Royal Oak Hotel, finishing just east of Newton Road. The route begins on tarmac, goes offroad up to Captain Cooks Monument (marshalled checkpoint), then descends through Gribdale Gate forest, crosses Cockshaw Hill, passes Gribdale Cottages and follows footpaths through Cliff Ridge Wood and Rye Hill back to the finish. Parts of the course are steep, rooty and often muddy with areas of ponding.

Entry, fees and other notes

Pre-entry and on-the-day entry are available. Pre-entry fees: FRA members £8, non-members £10. On-the-day fees: FRA members £10, non-members £12 (cash for on-the-day). Most entry fee proceeds are donated to local charities. Refreshments and prize awards are at the Royal Oak Hotel. Participants are asked to park considerately and car share where possible. Race kit requirements follow FRA guidance. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.