Silent Night Fell Race
Saint John's Chapel, United Kingdom • 18 Dec 2026
Event Overview
The Silent Night Fell Race is a night-time running event organized by Durham Fell Runners. It is licensed and supported by the Fell Runners Association. The course covers a distance of 6.6 km and involves 370 m of vertical ascent. The route is located above St John’s Chapel in Weardale and leads participants to the summit of Chapelfell Top, which stands at an elevation of 703 m.
Course and Navigation
The run takes place entirely in the dark on an unmarked route. The terrain consists of rough and pathless ground. Because the course is not marked, participants must possess navigation skills. The use of GPS for navigation is prohibited, though GPS devices may be used to track distance, time, speed, or altitude. A race map is provided to runners during the registration process.
Entry Requirements
Participation is restricted to individuals who can provide verifiable evidence of completing at least two events involving off-path navigation. Accepted examples include mountain marathons, orienteering events, or AL Lakeland races. Trail races, sky races, and short fell races are not accepted as qualifying experience.
Mandatory Equipment
Strict kit requirements are enforced for all participants. The mandatory list includes: Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
- Map and compass
- Whistle and head torch
- Spare head torch
- Waterproof top and bottoms
- Emergency food
- Gloves and hat
- Emergency bivvy bag
- Spare warm clothing
- Mobile phone