Old County Tops

35 miles, 11,000 feet

Held in May, The Old County Tops Fell Race is an annual race, first held in 1988 and organised by the Achille Ratti Climbing Club. the race starts in Langdale and visits the old county tops (Westmoreland, Cumberland and Lancashire) of Helvellyn, Scafell Pike and Coniston. This must be the best value race out there in terms of pound per mile, with a T-shirt and the best food you'll ever encounter in a fell race.  Copious sandwiches, cake and other delights are offered at two checkpoints and at the finish, making itan obvious choice for those that like their food. The race has to be run in pairs which makes it sociable as well as safe.  Its probably the longest fell race (as opposed to ultra) with a low key atmosphere commensurate with fell running.  Its one of the best.  

I've run the race a couple of times, both times finishing fourth, but in a significantly better time the second time around (7 hours 10 mins).  It also makes a nice solo round.

Old County Tops Web Page