The Ilkley Moor Fell Race has been staged by Ilkley Harriers every year since 1990. It is a hard fell race on Ilkley’s famous, scenic moor with steep, slippery, and rocky descents.
The race will start on Sunday 1st March 2026 at 11:30am. Please arrive in good time to pick up your number from the race registration, which will open at 10:15 and close at 11:15. The Ilkley Moor Fell Race is one of the FRA’s “50 at 50” races. A short but, tough course on the scenic moor with steep ascents and descents.
An FRA category AS race with 401 metres of climbing over 8 km. ER – Experience Required, PM – course part-marked.
The Ilkley Moor fell race was the first race that Ilkley Harriers offered junior races at, in February 2003. £3 Entry on the day (Registration open 9.30am), race starting at 10:30am. Follow the link below for more information.
Time: The senior race will be on Sunday 2nd March 2025 with the massed start at 11.30am prompt. Race registration will open at 10:15 and close at 11:15.
FRA Rules: The event is run under FRA rules. Runners must read the principles of fell running and the requirements for runners.
Kit List: Due to the notorious Yorkshire weather please bring with you all the FRA Minimum Kit List detailed in the requirements for runners on the day. This includes waterproof whole body cover (with taped seams and integrated attached hood), hat, gloves and whistle. Please be aware that use of any GPS watch or device (or equivalent) for navigation is strictly forbidden in all FRA races. There will be random checks on the day.
Course: Although short, the course is demanding with some challenging descents. See the description and course map below.
Ilkley Moor Fell Race Route MapLocation: The Race HQ will be at Wells Road, Ilkley. OS Map Grid Ref: SE117471, nearest postcode LS29 9RF. Please approach via Ilkley not over Keighley Gate Road by car. The race HQ is only a 10 minute walk from Ilkley Train & Bus stations.
Junior Races will be starting at 10:30am. There is no pre-entry for the junior races. Junior Registration opens at 09:30am.
Cut-off: There will be a 1 hour cut-off at the Rocky Valley Marshal point, about the halfway point of the course. Any runners outside of 1 hour at this point will be instructed to retire from the race. Please respect the marshal’s decision.
Safety: Please be aware that Fell Running comes with risks. Please look after each other on the course. If you see a fellow runner in trouble please follow these guidelines as best you can and let the nearest marshal know. Please also be aware of the dangers of Hypothermia.
Abandonment: Any runner deciding to abandon the race after they have picked up their number must notify the race organiser as soon as possible.
Runners need to be 16 or over on the day of the race. Runners under 18 who have entered online must bring a completed FRA Parental Consent Process and Form on the day to demonstrate that they have approval from a parent/guardian. This must be presented at race registration.
Course Records: Male 35:28 Ben Rothery 2023; Female 42:00 Amelie Lane 2023
Prizes: Trophies for 1st man & 1st lady. Prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd of the categories: Open, FU19, MU19, FU23, MU23. 1st prizes for FV40, FV45, MV40, MV45, FV50, FV55, MV50, MV55, FV60, FV65, MV60, MV65, FV70+, MV70+, as well as 1st Female team (of 3) & Male team (of 4). All categories are based on age on the day. Prize giving to start at 12:45
Cancellation: In the event of severe weather or other circumstances forcing cancellation, this will be notified here, social media and local clubs will be advised.
No Smoking: Since 2013 we have had to obtain SSSI consent from Natural England for the event to proceed: one of the conditions set by them is that a no smoking policy is introduced for spectators, event organisers and participants.
Volunteering: If you are unable to run the race but would like to be involved feel free to sign-up as a Marshal or Volunteer Click here for SignUp.
Course description: The Ilkley Moor fell race is only 5 miles, it has a demanding course across rough terrain with steep climbs and ascents – it is a FRA Category AS fell race.
The course starts on a good track just off Wells Road, rising steadily to pass The Tarn. After this, the path narrows and crosses Backstone Beck near the road, then passes up between the Cow and Calf to a wide level path. A steep climb up to the Pancake Stone is followed by a level stretch back to Backstone Beck, where all that precious height is lost as you plunge downhill on a rough narrow path to the footbridge. Then you haul yourself right back up the hill on the other side of the beck, before swooping down the Rocky Valley on a stony path. A stiff climb up the side of the Valley to a large cairn is followed by a long stretch along the skyline above Ilkley on rough terrain. Through Barmishaw Hole, then turn left (South) for the steady haul (hope the wind isn’t against you!) up to the Badger Stone, then right (East) across rough terrain and small paths to the Keighley Gate road. Leave the road almost immediately after joining it, to plunge down Weary Hill on a good path rejoining the road briefly on the bend before crossing Spicey Gill. An easy climb on the path through the bracken is followed by a fast traverse, before the final giddy plunge down to the finish! On race day you must follow the course marker flags and the marshals’ instructions.
Still got a question? See if it’s been answered on the FRA forums, ask it there, or email the Race Organiser, Peter: IMFR@ilkleyharriers.org.uk
Photos: By entering this race you consent to images taken of you during the event being used for promoting future Ilkley Moor Fell Races.
