Your Ilkley Radio

6:00pm - 6:30am

Email the studio

Jess Glynne

I'll Be There

Listen Live Podcasts

Two weeks until 36th Ilkley Moor Fell Race

Monday, 16 February 2026 15:27

Ilkley Fell Race [Photo: woodentops.org.uk}

Once again, 2026 will see a strong field of fell runners from far and wide converge on our famous moor, for the Ilkley Moor Fell Race on Sunday 1 March - now in its 36 year.

The senior competitors will line up at 11:30am at the start next to Darwin Gardens on Wells Road, following the usual route via the Cow and Calf, across the moor, via Backstone Back before dropping down near the Keighley Road.

A short, challenging, steep, five mile (8km) route that packs in 1,315ft (401m) of ascent with the front runners finishing in 40 minutes.

Organiser encourage runners to register beforehand to ensure your place, as it tends to fill up quickly in February!

Senior race information and link to sign up: ilkleymoorfellrace.wordpress.com

There are junior races too on the same day starting at 10:30am. which will be register on the day for races of varying distance and challenge for under 10, up to under 18 age groups. Easter eggs for the first 3 in all categories!

More information on the junior races: ilkleyharriers.org.uk/jh/imrjunior.html

Spectators are very welcome, with Darwin Gardens, Backstone Beck and the Cow and Calf being great places to shout encouragement. With the Real Market Ilkley on the Grove on the same day, there will be some good opportunities to refuel afterwards.

Organised by local running club Ilkley Harriers, more than 40 volunteers will be manning the route and start/finish line to make sure no-one gets lost or gets into difficulties. A spokesperson for organiser Ilkley Harriers said:

"Thanks go to our sponsors Pete Bland Sports who will also have a stall near Darwin Gardens on the day.

"We're raising money for the Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association (UWFRA) and Shaunna Burke's Dying to Climb fundraiser."

For further information on the benefactors please visit:

Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association (UWFRA): uwfra.org.uk
Shaunna Burke's Dying to climb fund raiser: gofundme.com/f/dying-to-climb-a-historic-everest-expedition

More from Local news

The Ilkley Cow enters search for UK's Favourite Local Business

The Ilkley Cow is calling on customers for support after entering a nationwide competition to find the UK's Favourite Local Business.
New Ilkley care home announces opening date following 11 month refurbishment

Verbeia Grange will open on Monday 5th October, providing residential care for people aged 65 and over.
Ilkley team raises £3,300+ for The Principle Trust in Three Peaks challenge

A team from Ilkley-headquartered estate agent Dacre, Son & Hartley has taken on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for a local children’s charity.
Classic film meets live rock concert at Ilkley's King's Hall

A show combining classic cinema with live rock music is coming to Ilkley's King's Hall this Friday (25th September).
Reform leaders urge Mayor to drop tourist tax plans

Reform UK's leaders across West Yorkshire are clashing head on with the region’s Mayor over proposals to introduce a “tourist tax.”
Free dementia awareness event to be held in Ilkley

A free community event aimed at raising awareness of dementia and the support available locally is coming to Ilkley next month.
Ilkley restaurant celebrates Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award

The Ilkley Cow is celebrating after receiving a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award.
Women’s business network celebrates second birthday in Ilkley

More than 60 women in business came together in Ilkley as a Yorkshire networking group celebrated its second anniversary.
Food waste collections set to be introduced in Ilkley

Households across Ilkley will soon receive new bins as Bradford Council prepares to introduce separate food waste collections.
Climate Café to offer space to talk about climate concerns in Ilkley

A new Climate Café is being held in Ilkley tonight, offering people a space to talk openly about their feelings surrounding climate change and the ecological crisis.
Ilkley restaurant Forde features on Channel 5's Our Great Yorkshire Life

Ilkley restaurant Forde Ilkley has appeared on Channel 5 as part of the latest episode of Our Great Yorkshire Life.
Scientific study launched to help restore Ilkley Tarn

An ambitious project has been launched to restore Ilkley Tarn and transform it into a thriving habitat for wildlife.
Leeds United legends coming to Ilkley for special fans' night

Leeds United fans will have the chance to hear from two former Elland Road strikers when Jermaine Beckford and Michael Bridges visit Ilkley later this month.
Alpamare waterpark to be sold to 'protect its future' with private investment

A major waterpark in North Yorkshire is expected to be sold to a new owner after it was taken over by North Yorkshire Council.
Dacre Son & Hartley team conquers Yorkshire Three Peaks for children's charity

A team from Ilkley-headquartered estate agent Dacre Son & Hartley has completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for The Principle Trust Children’s Charity.
Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway set for Oktoberfest takeover

A taste of Bavaria is coming to the Yorkshire Dales next month as the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway hosts its own Oktoberfest celebration.
Dates announced for Ilkley Christmas Tree Festival 2026

Dates have been announced for the return of Ilkley’s popular Christmas Tree Festival later this year.
Mayfield View named winner of Ilkley wheelbarrow competition

Mayfield View has been crowned the overall winner of a floral competition which has seen businesses across Ilkley create colourful wheelbarrow displays.
Pizza company announces new home at Burley in Wharfedale pub

A pizza company is moving its regular Burley-in-Wharfedale pop-up to a new home this weekend.
Sporting legends tee off as Yorkshire Invitational gets underway in Ilkley

A host of sporting legends descended on Ilkley yesterday (Wednesday) as the Yorkshire Invitational got underway.