Cat's Back Fell Race

Cat's Back Fell Race (Ras Crib y Garth)

The Cat's Back Fell Race is a fell running event on the Cat's Back ridge in the Black Mountains. The course is about 11.7 km with approximately 492 m of ascent (7.3 mi / 1614 ft). The route starts from Mountain Mayhem's base at Tybubach Farm in the Monnow Valley and returns to the start field.

Runners follow steep footpaths through farmland and pockets of woodland to the base of the ridge at the Cat's Back car park. The route then traverses open fell around Black Hill, includes a diagonal ascent to the summit with a trig point, and finishes with a fast descent along the old red sandstone ridgeline. Some sections are rocky and technical.

The race is run under WFRA rules, Category AS / PM, and uses Fabian 4 chip timing. Full kit must be carried and appropriate fell shoes should be worn. The event is for competitors aged 16 and over; there are no junior races and no dogs are allowed. The course will be partially marked and marshalled by volunteers from Longtown Mountain Rescue Team, and a donation will be made to that team from race proceeds.

The venue is The Cattle Barn, Mountain Mayhem, Tybubach Farm, Craswall HR2 0PH. Car parking, toilets, showers and refreshments are available at the event centre. The race starts and finishes on private property and any recce runs must stick to public footpaths. The race officer can advise on required skills and experience. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.