Responsibilities of all on a club run
- Overall run co-ordinators
- Select suitable routes (or accept suggestions) and ensure that they are available on the website
- Ensure that an " on-the-day run co-ordinator" is available
- Contact for new club runners
- Role of the on-the-day run co-ordinator
- Previously we called these the run leader but that is not really their role. There is no leading involved, we just need someone co-ordinate what is happening and ensure we finish with the same number of people as we started with. So, the role is defined as:
- Introduce the planned route at the start, checking if there are any new club runners and welcoming them (and encouraging others to chat with them on the way around).
- Ensure that someone counts the number of runners to reduce the risk of losing someone.
- Encourage looping back if required and choosing suitable stopping/looping points.
- Help arrange the split of short & longer runs if deemed necessary
- Expectations of the run attendee
- Everyone should have responsibility for each other, just as you would when you are out running with a group of friends.
- Turn up prepared to be self-sufficient (see recommended kit for a club run)
- Look after each other. It is the responsibility of the whole group if someone is injured, too cold, not confident of the terrain or we lose someone. It is not the responsibility of just the run co-ordinator.
- Loop back & encourage the back markers
- Socialise, especially with new club runners
- We currently arrange two club runs every week
- Tuesday evening at 6:30pm
- Sunday morning at 9:30am
All are welcome!
How long are the club runs?
Generally, the Tuesday and Thursday runs will be around 1.5 hours, sometimes mid-summer we may do a longer run on a Tuesday, this will be mentioned on the website. When there is a members meeting the run will generally be a little shorter to ensure we can get to the meeting on time. The Sunday runs tend to be a little longer at 2 to 3 hours.
What is the terrain on a club run like?
They vary a lot, from low level trail runs to big mountain runs, any routes that are particularly steep or rocky will be mentioned on the website. One thing in common is that they will always be off-road.
Do you meet in a pub afterwards?
This varies a lot, and often decided on the way around. The pubs are frequented often after the Thursday hill rep sessions and we also arrange a couple of meals a year. We have special pie nights at the Kirkstile Inn – watch out for these, they are very popular! Mid-summer we have a meal in Buttermere as well.
Am I too slow for a Tuesday run?
No!! We are making some changes to ensure that all runners can join us. A second group may form that allows for faster runners to go a little faster and/or further. CFR is a social club and we accommodate all no matter their ability. All members are sociable and the faster runners will loop back to the back of the group to ensure that the group stays together. This is for both safety and social reasons.
Are non-members allowed on a club run?
For a few weeks whilst you find your feet, but we do ask that anyone who regularly attends our club runs join us, either as a full or social member. All details regarding membership can be found on our website.
Are dogs allowed on club runs?
Yes, dogs are very welcome, many already join us weekly. Please ensure that your dog is kept under control, other dogs are very likely to be around so ensure that your dog is comfortable with other dogs. We ask that your dog responds to your recall as we often venture near sheep and steep ground.
Can juniors go on a club run?
Junior runners are very welcome, but all under 18s must be accompanied with a parent or guardian at all times. Please note that we have a well-established junior section to our club and there are specialist training sessions and adventures for our younger members.
Can I join part way around a run/ can I leave part way around a run?
Yes, but please make sure the run co-ordinator is aware when you join or leave so that they know the number of runners on the club run.
Do I need to be able to navigate on a club run?
Everyone should be self-sufficient on our club runs as these are not formal led runs and you are responsible for your own safety. This means you should be aware of where you are during a run and be able to navigate back to your car safely if necessary. If you are not 100% confident in your navigation, then the club run is an excellent opportunity to learn from others and build up your fell craft so that you are comfortable out of the fells in all conditions. Make sure this is a topic of conversation as you run around!
We meet every Tuesday for a club run on the beautiful Western fells. Our usual haunts include the fells surrounding Buttermere (Grasmoor, High Stile, Melbreak) and the Western fells around Ennerdale and Cold Fell.
We run for 1-2 hours at a comfortable pace with frequent re-grouping and some runners incorporating hill reps. Sometimes a fast group will decide to go further or a slow group to stay lower: it varies each week with the terrain and the turnout.
If you're visiting the area or thinking of joining the club, we'd love to have you along, but please get in touch at clubruns@c-f-r.org.uk before the run, so we know you're coming.
Welcome to CFR Sunday Socials.
When and where do we meet?
We choose different locations each Sunday, meaning you get to run in different places, alongside meeting new running friends. We'll post the time and location on here and on the CFR Facebook page so don't forget to give us a Like. We also love to post photos from the runs on Facebook too.
Do I need to be able to run?
These sessions are for anyone who can comfortably run/jog 5km (a Parkrun for example). Sunday Social runs are to build up your running confidence, and get people out in the spectacular Cumbrian countryside, with a bunch of like-minded folks. It's good to remember these are not speed sessions. Each Sunday is based around running with a group of people and heading to a cafe post-run if one is near by.
We aim to make each run around 90 minutes and nobody gets left behind.
Do I need loads of expensive kit?
You do need a pair of trail / fell running shoes not road shoes. For safety and comfort, we suggest long running tights/leggings/shorts and weather dependant layers. You definitely need to come with a bumbag or run pack that fits comfortably and is big enough to put some essentials in (see below).
What do I need to bring?
You, a few bits and bobs for safety in your run pack, plus your sense of humour as you're likely to get muddy...and quite possibly a bit wet. You need to be prepared for a mixture of weather and terrain, your race pack or bumbag should include the following things. A waterproof jacket, if you're not already wearing it, that you can jog in. Preferably not the long heavier styles mostly used for walking. You'll also need a hat or Buff-style headwear, gloves, some water, snacks/emergency food and a few first aid essentials: blister plasters, tape etc. These are essential to keep you safe and warm in the case of an accident. We hope that doesn't happen but best to be prepared.
What if I'm at the back?
In all honesty...someone always needs to be at the back, in the middle and at the front. It's the most practical way to group run as we can't all run side by side. Sometimes people prefer to be at the back, with their own thoughts, enjoying some peace and quiet away from the everyday chaos of life. Some runners are strong uphill but slow on the down, so you'll see people chop and change along the trail. The important thing is no-one gets left behind, we want everyone to feel included, and finish the run feeling confident and wearing a smile.
What if it's raining?
We get wet. Each Sunday is about taking some exercise, getting some fresh air and feeling more confident off-road running.
Are non-members allowed on a club run?
For a few weeks whilst you find your feet, but we do ask that anyone who regularly attends our club runs join us, either as a
full or social member. All details regarding membership can be found on our website.
What's the catch?
Apart from possibly catching a running bug, there is no catch. If you decide during the sessions you'd like to know more about the club, (discounts, type of membership etc) or our Tuesday club runs, we can have a chat on the trail.
Everyone has to start somewhere! If you're new to fell running, take a look at our list of kit that fell runners typically take with them on the fells.
Please heed the Safety Note section above - you are personally responsible for being appropriately equipped when you're on the fells with us. Bring appropriate kit for the weather conditions and to keep yourself safe.
Note that CFR don't officially recommend any brands or models. We've listed some that are popular with the fell running community, but kit is very personal and everyone has their own favourite gear. There's a wealth of knowledge and opinion in the club; have a chat with other members about what works well for them and ask at your local fell running shop for their advice too!
Kit you might consider:
| Fell Shoes | |||||
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On the fells, we need aggressive tread depth to avoid slipping! Popular choices include: | ||||
| Waterproof Cagoule | |||||
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Weight, waterproofing, fit and effective breathability are all important considerations. Note that if you want to use your top for races, they will need to have taped seams to pass kit checks. Popular brands (in no particular order) include: | ||||
| Waterproof Trousers | |||||
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All the same considerations (including taped seams) go for pants too. | ||||
| Hat | |||||
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Critical safety kit. Wind-resistant, breathable skull caps are effective in a huge range of conditions. | ||||
| Gloves | |||||
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Normal gloves most of the time, though mitt style is warmer in cold and windy conditions. | ||||
| Additional Base-Layer | |||||
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Synthetic or merino based products wick moisture well and add warmth. Popular brands (in no particular order) include: | ||||
| Map / Compass / Whistle | |||||
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Accurate map-reading using map and compass are essential skills on the fells and a simple whistle can save your life. Ask club members for navigation tips - we have a number of highly experienced mountain navigators! OS Exporer (waterproof) 1:25k OL4 and OL6 cover all our area. To save weight and bulk (especially for races), runners often print a map of their route and the surrounding area instead of taking a full OS map. | ||||
| Viewranger App | |||||
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Very popular for accurate mountain navigation. The app is free, then 1:25k map tiles are bought (very cheaply) and downloaded as needed prior to going out on the fell. Brilliant for fast re-location and route-finding, though digital devices should not be relied upon alone as batteries can fail (especially in the cold). Map and compass skills remain essential.
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| Bivvy Bag | |||||
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Sol emergency bivvy is small (about a pair of socks size!), lightweight and very effective in emergency conditions. | ||||
| 2-Person Shelter | |||||
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A number of club members carry these on the fell. If someone injures themselves, they provide a more stable environment for the casualty. Even a turned ankle can become a serious issue on a cold fell-side. There are lightweight options (in no particular order) available from: | ||||
| Head Torch | |||||
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One of the most discussed items of kit, especially in the Autumn-Spring seasons! Irrespective of the season, you should always carry a torch on a club run. Remember to ensure batteries are fully charged before you head out. If you're on your own, take a spare torch & batteries. Considerations when choosing a torch: Popular brands that work well on the fells include: | ||||
| Food / Water | |||||
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Soft flasks fit easily into your pack and get less bulky as you drink. They often come included with race vests. | ||||
