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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

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