Fell Running Race Rules (updated January 2024)

  1. If you retire from the race you MUST report to the Race Organiser whose number will be on the back of your race number. This is vital as failure to do so could result in the Emergency Services being called out to look for you.

  2. Make sure you are familiar with the race route*. Full route descriptions and maps will be on the Race and Results page in advance of the race.

  3. Arrive at registration for all races with full safety gear**

  4. Your race number must be pinned to your front only.

  5. Headphones, including the bone conducting type, or any device that may impair competitors hearing are not permitted.

  6. At safety checks please make sure the officials record your number.

  7. Use of GPS devices for navigation is not permitted although they may be used for recording purposes.

** Safety gear will consist of:-

  • Waterproof whole body cover. This means an outer layer for the torso with an attached hood (an attached hood, unlike even the best hat, balaclava etc, will not blow away, get lost or left behind). For the legs, the outer layer should reach the ankles; just below the knee layers are not adequate. For marked courses (junior/novice routes) the requirement to carry a map and compass will be waived.

  • Other body cover appropriate for the weather conditions including, as a minimum, hat and gloves.

  • Map, preferably waterproof, of the race route and surrounding area

  • Compass suitable for navigating the course (GPS type equipment is not acceptable)

  • Whistle

  • Emergency food (medium & long races only).

“Waterproof” means a garment marketed as "waterproof" (i.e. not just “windproof”) with taped seams. Such garments require maintaining (i.e. cleaning and reproofing) to maintain their waterproof quality.

Senior League Eligibility (updated December 2025)

Runners who meet the criteria below will qualify for the Manx Fell Running League.

1.         Eligible runners are 1st or 2nd claim members of Manx Fell Runners or 1st claim members of other Isle of Man athletics clubs which are affiliated to England Athletics for fell running. Unattached runners must have joined a local athletics club before 18/06/25 (Carraghan Race) to be eligible for the league.

2.         Points are awarded to runners based on finish position with 100pts allocated to first, 98 for second, 97 for third etc. All other finishers (positions 99+) runners will receive 1 point. Points will be allocated in this way for a combined male/female league and also for separate male/female leagues. In the separate leagues, first female/male will be allocated 100pts, second 98pts etc. All runners, whether league eligible or not, will be included when allocating race position and hence points.

3.         To feature in the final league standings you must finish 6 races which must include 1 short, 1 medium and 1 long race. Over 65 female runners or over 70 male runners will be exempt from running a long race but must instead complete 2 medium races.

4.         Best 6 results will determine final league points, consisting of your best points score from 1 long, 1 medium, 1 short and 3 other races (unless exempt from running a long according to point 3).

5. Age categories are determined by your age on 01/01/2025, i.e. if you turn 50 during the season your league category will be vet 40.

6. To be eligible for the league, runners must also marshal 1 race, or provide a substitute marshal.

CHECK POINTS & SAFETY INFO / RACE PROCEDURES

With so many newcomers getting involved with our sport it is probably a good time to give a clear explanation of the race procedure. All races that count for the Callin Wild Manx Fell League are point to point with the responsibility on the competitor to navigate around the course.  Route descriptions and maps are available for all races. Sections on some courses are over private land with the route usually decided by the landowner. These will be clearly flagged. It is mandatory for any flagged route to be followed by all competitors.

When studying the route descriptions it will be seen that there are two types of checks used.

Firstly there are unmanned checkpoints. These are usually situated on the summits and will be in the form of punches. All competitors must punch their check card (these will given out at registration) to prove they have been there. These check cards will be randomly examined at the finish.

Secondly there are manned Safety Controls at various places on the course. Runners will also have to punch their check slips here and the marshals will record the race number of every runner passing through. It is at these points that the race control can be made aware of any runner who has gone missing and action taken as necessary. It is vital that every runner has their number recorded at these safety checks.

Any runner who misses any unmanned checkpoint or manned safety check will be automatically disqualified from the race.