Take part in the Wray Road and Fell Races 2011

Wray 10km Road Race
Saturday 23 April 2011

This 10 kilometre (6.2 mile) road race gets the Wray Scarecrow Festival off to a running start. And since the crowds thicken as the week progresses, this is the perfect time to visit and savour the unique atmosphere of our village. The rural flavour is what makes our race so attractive to the 100 or so runners who compete each year. They start off from Wennington Road, run the full length of Main Street then disappear out into the countryside on quiet roads with wonderful scenery.

The hilly course makes it a worthwhile challenge before the return uphill along Main Street from the Tea Rooms to the Institute. The race starts at 1.15pm. Unbelievably, the first runner usually comes in close on 30 minutes. About an hour later, the last few people cross the line. These are often not trained athletes, but dedicated amateurs who've set themselves this race as a challenge. They need you to cheer them on - and they deserve as much applause as the winner!

Wray Caton Moor Fell Race
Monday 02 May 2011

For total exertion, nothing compares to a Fell Race. If you want to push yourself to your physical limits, this is the race for you.

The first 100 yards from Wray Institute along a crowded Main Street to the junction by Wray Post Office is the only part of the course that could be counted as a warm up. After that, it's up hill all the way, past Wray School till the top of the fell is reached 3 miles and 1000 feet of ascent later. But thankfully, what goes up must come down - there follows the euphoria of the descent. The slopes are less steep than in the nearby Lake District and grassy instead of rocky. This gives most runners the chance to let fly. And after the seniors get underway, it's the turn of the juniors. We are very proud that we have always attracted very large numbers to our junior races. After a mass start, each age category runs specific distances. Whilst they do not go onto the upper fell, all except the under 8s face a steeply uphill challenge before descending - happy and tired - through a muddy wood.

If you're a regular runner who's curious about fell running, why not give it a go? Just make sure you've got the right equipment - if you haven't got specialist fell shoes, stable running shoes with a good tread are a minimum requirement - and plenty of determination. Onwards and upwards people!