Old County Tops Fell Race

Old County Tops Fell Race

The Old County Tops is a circular fell race in the Lake District of England of approximately 37 miles with about 10 000 feet of ascent. The route starts and finishes close to the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, Great Langdale, and visits the high points of the old counties of Cumberland, Westmorland and Lancashire including Helvellyn, Scafell Pike and Coniston Old Man.

The event is run in pairs who must stay together throughout. Entries are by pre-entry only, limited to 160 teams, with an entry fee of £50 per pair and online entry handled via Fabian4. Teams of three pairs from the same club are eligible for the club team prize. All entrants must be aged 18 or over and at least one member of each pair must be 21 or older. Refund and substitution rules are specified by the organiser.

The race is held under FRA rules and covered by FRA insurance. Competitors must have previous fell or mountain running experience and map and compass navigation skills. The event is classified NG so GPS devices may not be used for navigation. Mandatory kit includes full waterproof body cover with taped seams and hood, hat, gloves, map, compass, whistle, emergency food and a survival bag or mountain safety blanket; a course map is supplied. There are mandatory checkpoints, route restrictions including out of bounds sections and several road sections, and food and drink is provided at some checkpoints. Starters receive a buff and finishers who enter by the specified date receive a T shirt. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.