Heptonstall Fell Race
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Event details
The Heptonstall Fell Race takes place in Heptonstall, West Yorkshire, on Sunday 22 March 2026. It is an FRA-classified long (BL) fell race with a distance of 24.8 km / 15.4 miles and total ascent of 966 m / 3,170 ft. The minimum age for entry is 18. The race has a Permit and associated UK Athletics insurance from the FRA.
Pre-entry is required via SiEntries from 17 January 2026, with a pre-entry fee of £15.00 and a waiting list once entries are full. There is no entry on the day. Registration is at St Thomas Church, Heptonstall (HX7 7NT). Teams are not permitted and there are no junior races.
Course and logistics
The route crosses a mixture of steep-sided wooded valleys, upland pasture and pathless moorland, including grassy slopes, boggy stretches, heather and dense woodland. The race categories note navigational skills required (NS), local knowledge an advantage (LK) and that the course is partially marked (PM). Competitors must carry required kit: full waterproof body cover, hat, gloves, map, compass, whistle and emergency food.
Organisers plan two cut-off points at Walshaw Farm: the first at 2 hours 15 minutes after the start (about 1 km before CP4) and the second at 3 hours after the start (on the second passage through Walshaw after CP6). Parking is provided at village and other nearby locations; parking donations support local groups. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
