Winter League

The Winter League races start in early January and are held on most Sundays until the end of March.

All races are flagged and open to all (no need to be a member of Helm Hill or any running club). Juniors must be 8+ on the day. Senior race distance is anything from 2 – 5 miles, from hard cross-country to gnarly low-level fells. Junior races are shorter.

6 races from 10 to count for the senior series and 5 races from 10 for the junior series.

See individual race pages for more info on each race. Please note Arant Haw does not count for the series results in either juniors or seniors.

Registration

Sign up is free – you only need to sign up once, it counts for all races and you just pay on the day for the races that you do. The cost is £6 for seniors and £2 for juniors per race. Please bring cash (we have a card payment system but just in case…). Please check the entry list and make a note of your race number before you turn up at registration.

NOTE: The online registration for Scout Scar will close at midnight on the 1st of Jan to allow us time to prepare the race numbers. There will be no paper Entry on the Day at any race – you must sign up online the day before the race.

Start Times

Junior races start at 11am and the senior race at 11:45am. Last registration to collect your number is 10:45am for juniors and 11:15am for seniors.

U10/12 race is followed by U14/U16 and the senior race follows which includes U18/U20.

Kit Requirements

ALL runners need to bring and carry the following kit:

Seniors: Full waterproof body cover, hat, gloves and whistle.

Juniors: Waterproof jacket, hat and gloves.

Polite Notice

Severe weather: Race organisers may shorten courses or impose cut-off times should conditions dictate for the safety of marshals and runners. If we need to cancel a race due to severe weather including poor road conditions for travelling to a race or conditions on the fell, we will post on Instagram and this website by 7:30am on race day or sooner.

NO DOGS: A polite reminder that due to landowners’ specific requests, dogs are not permitted at winter league races. We have to negotiate access each year, so please help by not bringing your dogs to ensure these races can continue.

Parking: Please share cars where you can, as parking is limited at all races.

Risk Notice: In competing in any race you accept the hazards involved in fell running and run at your own risk. The organisers accept no liability for any loss or damage of any nature to yourself or property.

Dates for 2026

03.01 Scout Scar
10.01 Whitestones
17.01 Fell End Clouds
24.01 Elterwater
31.01 Barbondale
07.02 No Race
14.02 Sedbergh
21.03 Cautley
28.02 Cunswick
07.03 Birkrigg
14.03 Helm
21.03 Arant Haw & Prizegiving

Thank You to our Sponsors

Winter League Races

Scout Scar

January 3, 2027
11:00 am

A classic 5 mile (or so) blend of fast hilly cross-country on rough limestone tracks with stupendous 360 degree views (for spectators out on the course). The senior race and shorter junior races all start with a fast charge across the flat field before heading out onto the rough Scar area where the pace settles.

Whitestones

January 10, 2027
11:00 am

A fast flat start through a boggy field followed by a short steep ascent and a long circular run across a variety of undulating fields with differing depths of mud. Could be anything between 3 and 5 miles……a good race for breaking in shiny new running gear.

Fell End Clouds

January 17, 2027
11:00 am

A ‘new’ race for 2027, upon the poetically named Fell End Clouds. Breathtakingly wild scenery, steep climbs and runnable grass tracks and rocky escapement…. It is the second incarnation of this race and if you find an ‘old timer’ they may recollect it for you….

Elterwater

January 24, 2027
11:00 am

Fell races don’t come much more picturesque than this one. Considering its 3 mile length it seems to contain all possible terrain with flat grassy tracks, steep rocky climbs, fast runnable descents, bogs, loose rock etc. Starting at Elterwater Common it is an out and back course to the summit of Silver Howe.

Barbondale

January 31, 2027
11:00 am

The race begins with about 3 yards of flat running and then straight into the climb, which starts off steep and gets steeper.

Sedbergh

February 14, 2027
11:00 am

A traditional cross country course as used by Sedbergh School – fast, undulating, with occasional mud.

Cautley

February 21, 2027
11:00 am

High and steep ground. Starts with a brisk canter along a trail, across the river, then a stonking big climb up Gt Dummacks. The descent is long and spectacular (when not in thick mist) and the closest thing to flying without apparatus. About 4 miles.

Cunswick Scar

February 28, 2027
11:00 am

Just over 5 miles for the seniors with around 600′ of climbing. A fast undulating course across grassy Cunswick scar.

Birkrigg Common

March 7, 2027
11:00 am

This race is one for the speed merchants. It’s short, firm under foot and relatively flat. The race starts with a stampede across the common and a brief, runnable climb up to the prehistoric stone circle on top of the hill. A gradual descent gives you the chance to increase your stride length and feel the wind in your hair.

The Helm

March 14, 2027
11:00 am

Whilst many will be familiar with the terrain, runnable grassy tracks and steep climbs, you may discover different aspects to this training ground. Seniors do the u17 twice.

Arant Haw

March 21, 2027
11:00 am

A classic route, but a none counter for the Winter League series. Presentation will take place after the race.

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