Congratulations once again to everyone who took part in the 2025 Saltwell Fell Series. From the first race back in early March that saw fourteen members tackle Brough Law, to the final race at Guisborough Woods where we had ten runners racing on the Saturday between Christmas and New Year, the new look series has been a wonderful success.
The aim, when planning the 2025 fell series was to encourage more members to take part, get out on the fells and enjoy themselves. We wanted more people fell running for the first time, and we really wanted to promote the series to our female members. Although Saltwell has a great fell running tradition, for too long the fells have felt inaccessible to many people and we’ve only had a very small group fell running on a regular basis.
During the series, we had twenty five percent of clubs members taking part in at least one race, with more than fifty of us giving it a go on the fells in 2025. The most impressive statistic is the fact that nineteen ladies took part in at least one race during the year. Such a high number is a wonderful achievement and something we should all be very proud of. Well done to everyone who ran and please continue to spread the word so we can encourage even more people to take part in 2026.
The winners have already been announced elsewhere but again, congratulations to Lynsey H, Hilary and Sara and to Andy, Simon and Paul for claiming the top three positions. The final league standings can be found on our website.
We’ve had some great days out in 2025 with some memorable races including the Saltwell take over at Cockfield Chase when 35 of us turned up on mass and we had to tip off the race organisers in advance that so many of us were planning to race. Eildon Hills was another highlight, although the impromptu trip to A&E wasn’t ideal (brilliant to see you making a strong recovery, Andrew). We’ve had some great weather and some grim weather but it’s all part and parcel of what makes fell running such fun (and at times, challenging).
Special mention needs to go to those at the club who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to design, promote and deliver such a successful series. Thanks to Sam H for being so passionate and the driving force behind the positive changes. Also, special mention to Dave H and Walter for keeping on top of the results and scoring. The advice and information provided by Andy A has been invaluable, plus fantastic input from other seasoned fell running pros. We are fortunate to have some very knowledgeable people at the club who love to share their expertise and help others in any way they can.
Most importantly thank you to all the members who took part, put on their shoes and Saltwell vests and raced. For all the car sharing and lifts, transporting people around the region and over to the Lakes. To those that printed off maps for people, lent kit to others and provided positive advice and support about recces, suitable footwear, kit and racing tips.
The last twelve months have seen members really support each other and offer encouragement to enable more people to feel that fell running is for them and not just for experienced or seasoned runners. We also have a great number of members who are happy just to give it a go, get stuck in and try something new.
If you’ve not yet tried fell running, I really encourage you to give it a go this year. For more details have a chat with members who took part over the last twelve months, they’ll provide you with all the insight, information and encouragement you need. It’s also the perfect excuse to buy a new pair of running shoes.
Below is a list of the fixtures that will make up the 2026 Saltwell Fell Series, remember it’s your best 7 races that count and no minimum number required to compete:
- Cod Beck Canter (North York Moors) – Sun 1st Feb
- Blakey Blitz (NYM) – Sat 14th March
- Newlands Memorial (Lakes) – Sat 18th April
- Fairfield Horseshoe (Lakes) – Sat 10th May
- Windy Gyle (N/land) – Sun 21st June
- Blencathra (Lakes) – Sun 28th June
- Borrowdale (Lakes) – Sat 1st Aug
- Oldhamstocks Flower Show Hill Race (Scotland) – Sat 15th Aug
- Hartfell Horseshoe Race (Borders) – Sat 22nd Aug
- Helvellyn and The Dodds (Lakes) – Sat 12th Sep
- Harriers vs Cyclists (Pennines) – Sat 7th Nov
- Simonside Cairns (N/land) – Sun 13th Dec
Well done again to everyone who took part and happy running in 2026. Lets continue to keep up the proud fell running tradition and reputation that Saltwell has built up over the years.
