Pendle Cloughs Fell Race
Downham, United Kingdom • 9 May 2026
Event Details
The Pendle Cloughs Fell Race is a fell running event held on Saturday 9th May 2026, starting from the village of Downham. The race is categorized as 'AL' (long, with significant ascent) and covers a distance of 14 miles with 4100 ft of ascent. The minimum age for participants is 18 years on race day.
Course & Route
The route begins in Downham and is flagged across fields to the open fell. Runners must visit nine checkpoints in order, navigating their own route between them on the open moorland. The course passes through seven of Pendle's cloughs: Burst Clough, Mearley Clough, Ogden Clough, Deep Clough, Churn Clough, Ashendean Clough, and Boar Clough. The terrain includes steep ascents and descents, loose stones, mud, peat, and rough grass or dead bracken. A specific traverse of steep, loose shale in Deep Clough can be avoided by an alternative route. After approximately 12 miles, the final section is downhill to the finish. There are checkpoint cut-off times, and runners arriving after these times will be considered out of the race.
Registration & Requirements
Registration takes place at Downham Village Hall, located 100m south and uphill from the village centre. On the day entry is available if the limit is not met. The event is held under UKA rules and is registered with the Fell Running Association (FRA). As an 'AL' category race, full FRA mandatory kit must be carried and presented for checking at registration; runners without kit will not be allowed to run. Runners are required to bring their kit to registration. Parking is available at the Village Hall and the village Information Centre, with car sharing encouraged.
Records
The men's course record is held by Ben Rothery with a time of 1:58:48, set in 2024. The ladies' record is held by Nichola Jackson with a time of 2:20:51, also set in 2024. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.