Fell Running is an individual sport where competitors run over laid-out courses, comprised of hills and mountains. The competitor with the quickest time of completion is the winner.

Fell running is an ancient British sport that was revived in the 19th century. It consists of many competitors running a course laid-out over a hill. Courses are marked with checkpoints for runners to follow. The runner with quickest completion time is the winner.

Complete the course in the smallest amount of time possible.

Races are run annually, over an established course with a sequence of checkpoints. Courses are placed in several different categories, determined by distance and level of ascent. Marked routes lead runners from the starting line to the beginning of the hill, and then from end of the hill to the finish line. When running on the hill, runners may choose their own route between the checkpoints. The runner with the quickest time of completion is the winner.

The first fell races were held in 11th century Scotland, as part of traditional competitions of athleticism. Athletes were professionals, competing for the large prizes associated with victory. The sport was revived as an amateur pursuit during the 19th century, and became directly associated with the practice of orienteering. In 1952 the sport's largest race, the Lake District Mountain Trial, was first held. Many more races were created during the second half of the 20th century. In the 1970's professional fell races emerged, and were held alongside amateur races. In 1992 all fell races were declared open, allowing professionals and amateurs to race side-by-side. Today fell racing is a moderately popular sport in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Running Shoes

Fell running can be a dangerous sport due to the uneven terrain on which races are held. Injuries to the knees and ankles are common.

Fell runners must be in peak physical condition due to the distances one must cover at a high rate of speed. Sustained aerobic exercise and lower-body weight training can be extremely helpful. Runners must also must have basic knowledge of navigation and orienteering in order to choose the proper route through the course. These skills can be attained through practice working outdoors with maps and compasses.

Fell - referring to the hills and mountains of the Lake District in Northern England

Orienteering - finding one's way across rough terrain with the aid of a map and compass

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fell_running