Thanks, I found both videos interesting and informative. I'm curious, is it common for UK fell running races to require this level of navigation frequently throughout the race? Any notable ones that come to mind?
Glad you found them informative Rory. Most fell races are unmarked, meaning there are no temporary flags or arrows to follow and some parts are on rough ground rather than well defined trails so the runners need to either know the route or navigate it during the race. What generally happens is that people get to know the route if they have done the race before, so as long as there are people in front who know where they are going then other runners simply follow them. The difficulties arise in foggy conditions when people lose sight of those in front. The longer Lake District races have most potential for people going wrong, Wasdale and Duddon are prime examples. Most races stipulate that runners need to carry a compass and a map of the route, but that doesn't mean that everyone knows how to use them!
@@fellrunningguide Interesting, indeed I read about the FRA pack requirements and the strict rule about not using a GPS device. As a runner who has heavily relied on my Fenix watch's maps to get me through all sorts of trails, my heart sank as soon as I saw that rule! But I decided it would be fun and useful to try and learn how to navigate properly (that's why I'm here now binging your fantastic content!!) but I also am discovering how interesting I find maps and navigation. Anyway, I entered the race I was looking at-Pen-y-ghent (which I've walked before), which is only 10.5km and from what I've seen of some videos it has markings, and even a course route on the map. So I think it's a good starter race. But I do want to get out and challenge myself so I will be looking at some longer ones in the Lakes as longer-term goals and see if I can get myself into some foggy situations 😄 Thanks again!
@@rorysmith7211 The navigation features on your watch can be really useful to help you learn navigation skills. Eg you can try to navigate by map and compass then check on your watch to see if you are where you think you are. Also the Fenix will give you a very accurate grid reference that you can then pinpoint on a map. Obviously you can't do this during a race but you can in training. Good luck in the race.
If you find this video useful you can buy me a coffee to show your appreciation!
www.buymeacoffee.com/fellrunningguid
Love the concept of this video style Dave!
Cheers
Brilliant Dave.
Thanks John, glad you liked it.
Thanks, I found both videos interesting and informative. I'm curious, is it common for UK fell running races to require this level of navigation frequently throughout the race? Any notable ones that come to mind?
Glad you found them informative Rory. Most fell races are unmarked, meaning there are no temporary flags or arrows to follow and some parts are on rough ground rather than well defined trails so the runners need to either know the route or navigate it during the race. What generally happens is that people get to know the route if they have done the race before, so as long as there are people in front who know where they are going then other runners simply follow them.
The difficulties arise in foggy conditions when people lose sight of those in front. The longer Lake District races have most potential for people going wrong, Wasdale and Duddon are prime examples.
Most races stipulate that runners need to carry a compass and a map of the route, but that doesn't mean that everyone knows how to use them!
@@fellrunningguide Interesting, indeed I read about the FRA pack requirements and the strict rule about not using a GPS device. As a runner who has heavily relied on my Fenix watch's maps to get me through all sorts of trails, my heart sank as soon as I saw that rule! But I decided it would be fun and useful to try and learn how to navigate properly (that's why I'm here now binging your fantastic content!!) but I also am discovering how interesting I find maps and navigation. Anyway, I entered the race I was looking at-Pen-y-ghent (which I've walked before), which is only 10.5km and from what I've seen of some videos it has markings, and even a course route on the map. So I think it's a good starter race. But I do want to get out and challenge myself so I will be looking at some longer ones in the Lakes as longer-term goals and see if I can get myself into some foggy situations 😄 Thanks again!
@@rorysmith7211 The navigation features on your watch can be really useful to help you learn navigation skills. Eg you can try to navigate by map and compass then check on your watch to see if you are where you think you are. Also the Fenix will give you a very accurate grid reference that you can then pinpoint on a map.
Obviously you can't do this during a race but you can in training.
Good luck in the race.
@@fellrunningguide Great idea about the watch. I'll try that. Thanks!