St John's Fell Race 2024

The opening round of the 2024 Callin Wild sponsored Manx Fell League takes place on New Year`s Day. The St John`s race is a short 5km blast to the summit of Slieau Whallian and back with the start and finish in the St John`s and Peel Cricket Club on Foxdale Road. Registration is at the St John`s Football Club which is situated next door to the cricket field from 12.15 until 13.00. The race will also be the opening round of the 2024 Junior Fell League. Please enter as soon as possible https://www.sientries.co.uk/event.php?elid=Y&event_id=12848

If weather conditions have been very wet in the days preceding the race we may have to move the start in order to avoid damaging the cricket field surface. We had to do this last January and it would entail starting at the junction of the back Slieau Whallian Road and Patrick Road. The finish would remain in the cricket field but unfortunately for the many spectators who congregate there, it would mean just a return leg through the infamous Mullen Y Cloie water splash.

Competitors will not have to carry full safety gear but we would very strongly recommend that everyone carries a water proof jacket. If weather conditions are really bad we will have to make this compulsory. Although a fair amount of the course is within the well sheltered Slieau Whallian Plantation there is a pretty long ridge run to the summit and back which can be quite hostile when the weather is poor.

Fancy dress is optional. If worn, it should not hinder running. Costumes must allow safe running and overtaking on ground which is often steep and slippery, with some very narrow paths and low branches. No fancy dress objects to be carried please. Although we try and keep this event fairly relaxed and especially welcoming to newcomers it must be remembered that it is very much a registered fell race and is definitely not a fun run.

There is plenty of parking spaces in St John`s. There will be limited space at the football club and the car park on Station Road. We recommend that everyone uses the big park behind the Tynwald Inn which can be accessed from either Peel Road or Station Road.

Manx Fell Runners are delighted that long time sponsor David Cretney will continue his backing of the event. His support goes back an amazing 25 years which must be one of the longest running sponsorships in local sport. As usual the entry fees will be donated to a local charity which this year will be helping to raise funds in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Douglas for the Manx Wildlife Trust to create the Hairpin Woodland Park in Ramsey which promises to be a fantastic asset in nature for all ages.

Refreshments will be available at the football club house post race. We are delighted that the brilliant Tracy`s cakes have donated delicious cup cakes for everyone`s enjoyment.