Ogden Midsummer Madness

Ogden Midsummer Madness

Ogden Midsummer Madness is a Category A fell race held at Ogden Water nature reserve in North Halifax. The event is normally scheduled on the Wednesday evening closest to midsummer day and is organised by Halifax Harriers as a fundraiser to support maintenance of the reserve. The course is about 3.5 miles long with roughly 1000 feet of climb.

The route starts at the western end of the dam and passes lake and woodland before moving into a series of ridges and valleys. Runners encounter stoney vehicle tracks, narrow ridges, boggy ground, tussocks, steep climbs, technical descents, several stream crossings, waterfalls and steep stone steps, then a fast runnable downhill finish at the reservoir-side picnic and duck feeding area. Parts of the course are waymarked and some sections are marshalled with a time cutoff. Entry is available on the day with different rates for FRA members and non-members; registration takes place at the visitor centre classroom. Presentations are held afterwards at The Causeway Foot Inn where extra parking is available and free camping in a nearby field can be arranged with prior notice. Prior recce of the route is advised because parts of the course can be confusing and technical underfoot. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.