2026 KMC Fell Race

The KMC Fell Race is one of the club's oldest and finest traditions, dating back to a time when maps were paper, waterproofs leaked and nobody questioned why spending a Saturday voluntarily running uphill was considered fun.

After a slight decline in participation over recent years (possibly due to members becoming wiser), we're hoping to revive this traditional event. It remains an excellent test of essential mountain skills including navigation, route choice, fitness, determination, and the ability to look confident while being completely lost. Experience in any of these areas may prove advantageous, but is by no means essential.

This year's race will be in the Peaks and begins and ends in the main Edale car park (SK124853). It is right next to Edale railway station with a train arriving from Manchester at 10:17. Race HQ/Event Centre is the grey VW camper which will parked in a corner of the car park.

The Format

Competitors will start from 10:30 onwards.

You will be given a map and series of checkpoints which must be visited in order, with the final checkpoint being the start/finish location. Route choice from checkpoint to checkpoint is entirely up to you.

Glory, Prestige and Other Prizes

Members and guests are welcome to take part.

Club members will have the added incentive of competing for eternal glory in the form of having their name engraved on a trophy. There are trophies for:

• Fastest Male
• Fastest Female
• Handicap Winner

Only members are eligible for trophies, but guests are more than welcome to turn up and embarrass us by being quicker and more competent than everyone else.

Important Rules and Kit

Navigation is by map (provided) and compass only.

No GPS devices, Garmins, phones, satellite guidance systems, AI agents, carrier pigeons or consultations with passing dog walkers.

Please bring or wear:

• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Suitable footwear
• Hat and gloves
• Enough extra clothing to remain warm, comfortable and legally dressed
• Compass
• Whistle
• Food and drink

The course will be approximately 10 miles long and will involve going uphill a few times.

Checkpoint Marshals

We need people to marshal the checkpoints. If you fancy a day with guaranteed free food, out but not competing please get in touch with either of us.

The Real Reason Everyone Attends

At the finish there will be FREE homemade hot soup (vegan and gluten-free) and a bread roll. There might be cake of some sort too.

It is entirely possible that this represents the best value food-to-effort ratio available anywhere in the Peak District.

Please use the "Intend to Attend" option or drop us an email so we have some idea of numbers, and more importantly, how much soup to make.