David Staff Memorial Race
Darwen, United Kingdom • 15 Nov 2026
David Staff Memorial Fell Race
The David Staff Memorial Fell Race is a Category AS fell race around the West Pennine Moors above Darwen, Lancashire. The course covers 6 km with 305 m of ascent and uses paths that lead up to Darwen Tower and around the surrounding moorland.
The event base and registration location is The Kiosk in Sunnyhurst Woods, Darwen. The route starts on the main path opposite The Kiosk, then turns left at the bandstand and leaves the wood via the Lychgate carpark next to the Sunnyhurst pub. Competitors follow a right turn to Waterman’s Cottage, a left onto a concrete path and the familiar line up to Darwen Tower. The descent returns via the pub and back into the woods, with the finish at the bandstand.
The race has an age minimum of 14 years. Entry fees listed for the event are £7.50 for FRA members and £8.50 for non members. Entries open on 23 March 2026 and close on 14 November 2026.
The race is held in memory of a young club member who died from an inherited heart condition. Funds raised support Cardiac Risk in the Young and have contributed to heart screening that identified heart defects in more than 60 people, with over £100,000 raised since the initial fundraising. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.