requiring a far higher level of mountaincraft and judgement in selecting a line that suits your mountain running skills set. Many runs are not purely one or the other, but what defines this book as especially relevant to the runner is that many of the fell running routes differ greatly from a walking route. You know when you’re skilled at fell running as you’ll discover the best lines on the fellsides, where the only footprints you see are those of stud marks from fell running shoes.
Trail and fell running kit
While every runner wants to move quickly and lightly in the mountains, it’s essential that you carry enough kit to enable self-sufficiency – especially in case of changing weather and emergencies. Inexperienced runners often query the obligatory equipment lists provided by race organisers, but it’s important to note that these events are professionally organised, with medical assistance, shelters, aid stations and rescue plans in place. An autonomous runner should always carry the standard obligatory race kit as an absolute minimum, to cater for the fact that the race provisions and safety net are not in place. Many of the Lake District fell races are organised along Fell Running Association (FRA) guidelines, and so their kit list is obligatory (www.fellrunner.org.uk).
Some of the easier and lower-altitude trail running routes in this book can be undertaken wearing road shoes and your normal running clothing, as well as a small running pack, but as you venture higher into the mountains you’ll need more clothing and fell running-specific footwear.
The choice of shoes for fell and trail running is open to endless debate, but what you should look for is an outsole with good grip (for on both rock and mud), perhaps a rock plate in the sole, and increased protection around the toe box. Features such as mud or off-trail performance are key in the Lake District, while they don’t matter so much in the Alps, for example, where the trails are fairly established and well drained underfoot. Brands that dominate the UK market are Inov8, La Sportiva, Walsh and Salomon. Rugged mountain terrain is no place for minimalist or barefoot shoes, although an increasing number of runners are using maximalist shoes such as Hoka’s for trail running-style routes.
Selection of trail and fell running shoes
A decent running bag is essential, as there’s a fair bit of kit to take each day that needs to be readily accessible while you’re on the move. Key features that a runner might look for are a capacity of up to 12L, a bladder or water bottle pouch system, accessible stow pockets for snacks, a whistle for emergencies, and compartments to store waterproofs and other items. When purchasing a bag, try packing it with your running kit and then testing it for fit to ensure that it doesn’t move on your back. Many fell runners prefer a small waist pouch or bum bag, into which all FRA race essentials can be stowed.
Poles are increasingly being used by runners in the mountains. While they would get in the way during a short fell running route, for a longer race or trail run they are a very useful piece of running kit. Make sure they are portable (some fold down or retract to fit easily into or onto your bag) and have a grip covering an extended section of the shaft to allow for different hand heights on traverses of steeper terrain. There’s a wide range of running poles, from telescopic to z-poles and now rigid grip poles, to choose from. Good brands to consider are Grivel, Black Diamond and A2-16. ‘Adapting to the fells’ (below) outlines some of the benefits and techniques of running with poles in the mountains.
You’re strongly advised to take an altimeter when running in the mountains, as it’s a very useful and quick navigational tool and will allow you to focus more on the running than poring over a map and compass. Relatively cheap units are built into robust digital watches, such as the Suunto Vector, and there are also mobile phone apps to consider, such as ViewRanger or Strava. GPS units provide altitude figures, but while they don’t need recalibrating like watches, the signal might be too weak to give accurate information, such as when you’re close to a cliff and satellite signals are hidden by the topography.
Equipment checklist
The following list includes all the items you might run with in the Lake District fells. Don’t assume you have to carry it all: runs in different seasons, altitudes and weathers will have vastly contrasting requirements. Equip yourself according to your chosen route and the likely or possible conditions, but bear in mind that the safety kit should be carried as standard.
Basics
Trail or fell running shoes
Socks
Shorts or tights
T-shirt/long-sleeved top
Running gloves
Buff/cap
Beanie hat
Sunglasses
Suncream
Water bottle/bladder
Food
Optional items
Running poles
Compression calf guards
Running gaiters
Insulation and waterproofs
Waterproof gloves/mitts
Thermal layer
Windproof jacket
Waterproof jacket and trousers
First aid
Zinc-oxide/strapping tape
Wound dressing
Blister plasters (Compeed or similar)
Anti-chafing gel
Safety
Compass
GPS
Altimeter
Map
Guidebook
Whistle
Survival blanket/bag
Head torch
Batteries
Phone
Personal
Money
Bank card
Toilet roll
Rubbish bag
Winter/skyrunning
Instep crampons
Sling/rope
Karabiner
Blizzard
