Saturday 10th February 2024.
Start Window: Between 9 am and 10 am.
The Winter Half starts in...
Entries open on Fabian4 in....
Live Results
Live results should be available on the day.
These live results are NOT final. Remember faster runners may have started after you so positions will change.
Car Parking
Download this map. Go to Carpark A. If it is full then we will then use Carpark B
Map
Each runner will get a copy of this map with their dibber. We have also produced a version with some magnified inserts to highlight some tricky areas. You can print this at home and bring it on the day if it helps you
The Route
The race will be run as an anticlockwise loop which makes the road crossing at Bamford safer. As with the past few years, we do not have a mass start. Instead, you have a one-hour time window in which to set off. If you think you will be slow getting around then we suggest starting at 9 am, as there will be absolute cut-off times at all the later controls. At this time of year, there will only be a limited amount of daylight, so we need to get you all home in a sensible period. There should be a prize-giving with some great prizes from Outside and Rab
Entry details
Entries are now open. Use the link below
Entry before 31/12/2023 £14 per person + £2 for non-FRA members)
Entry from 01/01/2024 £17 per person + £2 for non-FRA
Pre-entries close 05/02/2024
There are likely to be some entries on the day but will cost £20 per person + £2 for non-FRA
Final Instrctions
Here is the text of the final instructions email sent to entrants in 2023
Remember to bring everything on the Kit List
Important reminders
Like last year, we will have a window of 1 hour for you to start the event. So if you want more time to avoid the cut-offs or need to get back earlier then start at 9 am. If you are a whippet and are not worried about the short amount of winter light, then you can laze in bed a little longer and start at 10am
The main car park is a 5-minute walk from the venue.
You will need to declare your car registration plate on your Fabian 4 entry a few days before the event so if you are sharing a list make sure you find out their reg number!
We will also need the name and telephone number of your emergency contact person.
May we remind you that you MUST show your numbers to the marshals at the start, the finish and at checkpoints 2 & 3 (the Bamford untimed road crossing). It is part of the event safety protocol, as per the FRA rules. In 2019 we had 3 runners who were annoyed with the marshals for asking to see their number. Our marshals are volunteers. They are working for a good cause. They are helping out so you can enjoy the event. Failure to display your number = disqualification.
Event details
Do not underestimate this 17.5 miler. It journeys through some lovely countryside taking in some iconic Peak District vistas.
The start is steep, up onto the Shatton ridge then down to Bamford and some rare flat running to Ladybower. Across and up onto the shoulder of Win Hill and get some views of the Vale of Edale as you drop back into Hope and climb up again to Lose Hill and the Great Ridge. Drop back to Castleton and pick your way up the worn limestone of Cave Dale. You’ve done all your climb now and just need to hold it together, as you drop down the rough Dirtlow Rake track, before the final steep drop down Pin Dale. Make your way through the cement works then back to Bradwell.
This almost follows the same route as the summer race (see full route description below) but is actually a very different animal because of the changed conditions. Cave Dale can be slick at any time of year but add a few degrees of frost and you’d better be watching your feet rather than looking up at the majesty of Peveril Castle! Equally the trail from Ladybower can seem like hard work in summer yet in winter it feels like hard-won respite from the bitter westerlies which were battering you on the Shatton tops. Extra kit may be needed on the day so bring it! We have also introduced a short untimed section for the Bamford road crossing.
If needed we will add the route description for the bad weather routes shortly before the event
Weather Forecast
The final route depends on the weather. If the weather is poor, we may have to use the bad weather route.
NB: We will declare which route we will use depending on the weather forecast in the 3 days leading up to the event
Last years maps
The 2023 full map is here: “Good weather” route
Just in case here is the 2022 “Bad weather” route
Here are the route descriptions:
Location
Venue: The Sports Pavilion, Opposite the Samuel Fox Pub, Bradwell, Hope Valley. S33 9ST
Contact
Organiser: Greg Rimmer
Email: Greg
Phone: 07793 634 495
Kit List
Kit which you MUST carry or use.
These events traverse high/exposed moorland terrain late in the year. For all our long events you MUST wear/carry the following minimum items:
- Fell running shoes that in our opinion are fully suitable for the type of rough terrain that you will encounter. Note: There has been a small move of some fell runners to competing barefoot. As organisers, we will consider this if the runner can show they have the experience and ability to compete barefoot. What you will not be allowed to use are trainers with high heels and no grip, such as road running shoes.
- Full waterproof body cover. We may allow pertex overtrousers if the weather is nice but you MUST bring a second pair of waterproof over-trousers in case they are needed. Waterproof clothing typically has taped seams- if they ain’t taped professionally then we reserve the right to test or refuse them! SO: You MUST bring waterproof overtrousers but we may allow just pertex to be taken on the day.
- Hat/Buff
- Gloves
- Compass
- Whistle
- Map and control descriptions– you will each be given one on the start line.
- Timing chip – You will collect one with your race number, and each person must carry their own and use it at each control
- Sufficient supply of liquid and food to see you through the event.
- Watch. This can also be an altimeter or a GPS data logger but not a device that can display maps and be used to navigate
- Race Number– You will each collect one at registration along with your timing chip
- Emergency bivvy bag – this must be a bag, not a sheet; it can be foil or plastic
- Phone- This is not compulsory but it is advisory (see notes over- we may insist that you take one if the weather is poor so bring a waterproof bag to keep it safe in)
Other kit you need to bring
We reserve the right to insist on extra items being carried such as extra layers of clothing and long bottoms if the weather is poor.
You should bring these extra items with you which we may ask you to carry:
- Up to THREE Extra upper body layers
- Long leg cover such as lycra bottoms and / or thick, thermal long bottoms
- A mobile phone
Marshals will disqualify anyone who in their opinion does not meet the above equipment criteria. NOTE – this applies to ALL competitors!
What a fantastic race. So well organised and what a fabulous route. The Peak District is stunning!
Tough run yesterday, much harder than I was expecting but great fun all the same. Big thanks to the organisers and marshals.
I had a great day despite numb thighs on that first climb! The food after was great – I just wish more races followed that format ie keep entries affordable and just give us food after instead of a medal/t-shirt that’s too big. My third time back at Bradwell and I’ve enjoyed every one – I reckon the food was even better today than summer. Good to see Yorkshire tea too!
Was a fab race and so well organised 
. The cakes at the end were brilliant too! The memories of slogging up Cavedale with stay with me for a while 
