Whernside Fell Race
Whernside Fell Race is a one-day fell race on 1 July 2026 based at The Station Inn, Ribblehead. The course is listed as 10.5 km / 6.5 miles with approximately 468 m / 1535 ft of ascent. It finishes back by The Station Inn.
The route begins with a fast stretch under Ribblehead Viaduct, then follows the old hikers' route in a steep, direct climb to the top of Whernside. Runners then turn north toward the summit and follow the main Three Peaks walkers' route down to join the Dales Highway, passing Blea Moor signal box on the final run back to the finish.
Competitors must stick to roads and tracks between the viaduct and the fell and must not cut across fields; the first field after the stile is private land so runners should keep to the trod with the wall on the right.
The race is run under Fell Runners Association rules. The FRA mandatory minimum kit required includes a waterproof whole body cover with taped seams and attached hood, hat, gloves, map, compass, whistle and emergency food. Organisers will carry out kit checks and may alter requirements for good weather. Carrying water is strongly recommended in hot conditions.
Entries are managed via SiEntries. Pre entry and on the day fees are listed; FRA members have a reduced pre entry fee. Registration and number collection take place in the car park behind The Station Inn. There is plentiful parking at Ribblehead and a pair of portaloos in the registration car park. Local camping and accommodation options are available nearby. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Rules:
The race is run under FRA rules, therefore:
- All runners must read the principles of fell running and the requirements for runners, including the recent rule changes.
- These documents include details of the full FRA mandatory minimum kit that you must bring on the day.
- FRA Mandatory Minimum Kit: Waterproof whole body cover (with taped seams and integrated attached hood), hat, gloves, map of the route, compass, whistle and emergency food.
There will be checks! The race organiser may change to this rule on the day if the weather is glorious. It is also strongly recommended that runners carry some water – especially if the weather is hot.
If you retire, you MUST report back to race control at the start or the race in the gala field. Please ensure you do this, as nobody wants to spend hours out hunting for people who are already enjoying a nice hot bath at home!
Entry:
Entries will open on the 1st March 2025. Please enter online via SI Entries to secure your place.
- Pre Entry is £8
- Entry on the day if the limit has not been reached is £10.
Registration:
For on the day entries and the collection of race numbers, registration will be in the car park behind The Station Inn.
Car Parking:
There is plentiful car parking at Ribblehead, but please do car share where possible as parking close by isn’t guaranteed.
Prize Giving:
This will take place after 20:30 or as soon as circumstances permit at the registration tent.
Facilities:
There are a number of campsites around Ingleton and a YHA, along with numerous Bed & Breakfast places locally.
Toilets:
There are two portaloos in the car park behind the pub next to race registration. Please do not use the pub toilets before the race.
View the Event Disclaimer / Terms and Conditions.
View the Event Cancellation / Refund Policy.
Yorkshire Dales Classics Race Series - Enter all four races for a discounted entry fee or individually:
- Sun 21 Jun 26 Settle Hills Fell Race
- Sat 18 Jul 26 Ingleborough Mountain Race