Silent Night Fell Race
Saint John's Chapel, United Kingdom • 18 Dec 2026
Silent Night Race
The Silent Night Race is a festive-themed fell race held in St. John’s Chapel, Weardale. This event is a classic AS category out and back race that takes place entirely in the dark. Participants follow an unmarked route over rough and pathless terrain to reach the summit of Chapelfell Top at an elevation of 703 metres.
The event features a single distance:
- 6.6 km with 370 m of ascent
Due to the nature of the course and the winter conditions, specific experience is required. Participants must be at least 18 years old and provide evidence of completing at least two events involving off-path navigation, such as Mountain Marathons, orienteering, or AL Lakeland fell races. Navigation skills are essential, as the use of GPS for navigation is prohibited, though GPS devices may be used to track distance, time, and speed.
Registration and parking are located at the Chatterbox Cafe in St. John’s Chapel. Mandatory kit requirements are strictly enforced for all participants. The list of required equipment includes a map (provided at registration), a compass, a whistle, a head torch plus a spare, waterproof jacket and trousers with taped seams, emergency food, gloves, a hat, and an emergency bivvy bag. Furthermore, runners must carry a spare warm insulated top and spare full-length tights in a waterproof bag, along with a mobile phone. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.