The Fell Runners Association (FRA) Long Distance Award
What is the FRA Long Distance Award?
The Fell Runners Association (FRA) Long Distance Award is one of the most prestigious accolades in the world of fell running. Established by the FRA, this award recognizes outstanding achievements in long-distance fell running, celebrating runners who have pushed the boundaries of endurance, skill, and navigation in the challenging terrain of the UK’s hills and mountains. Unlike traditional road marathons or trail races, fell running involves navigating rough, uneven terrain, often with steep ascents and descents, making it a true test of physical and mental resilience.
The History of the FRA Long Distance Award
The FRA Long Distance Award has a rich history, reflecting the evolution of fell running as a sport and the increasing popularity of long-distance challenges. Fell running has deep roots in the UK, with records of races dating back to the 19th century. The sport grew in popularity throughout the 20th century, with runners seeking out ever more challenging routes and distances. The FRA, established in 1970, has played a central role in organizing and promoting fell running, and the Long Distance Award is a key part of its efforts to recognize and celebrate the achievements of the sport’s most dedicated athletes.
The award itself was created in 1987 to acknowledge exceptional performances in the field of long-distance fell running. Over the years, it has recognized a variety of feats, from record-breaking runs on classic rounds like the Bob Graham Round and the Ramsay Round to new and innovative routes. The award is not just about speed but also about the spirit of adventure, the ability to navigate complex terrain, and the sheer endurance required to complete these arduous challenges.
What You Need to Do to be Awarded
To be considered for the FRA Long Distance Award, runners must undertake significant long-distance challenges that exemplify the essence of fell running. This could involve setting new records on established routes, creating and completing new routes, or achieving notable performances in ultra-distance fell races. The emphasis is on the runner’s ability to combine speed, endurance, navigation skills, and a deep understanding of the mountains.
Submissions for the award are typically made by the runners themselves or their supporters, detailing the achievements and providing evidence such as times, GPS data, and witness statements. The FRA committee reviews the submissions and selects the winner based on the difficulty of the challenge, the conditions under which it was completed, and the runner’s overall performance.
Notable Winners Over the Years
Many outstanding athletes have been recognized with the FRA Long Distance Award, each bringing their unique strengths and stories to the sport of fell running. Here are some notable winners who have made their mark on the history of fell running:
1. Joss Naylor MBE
One of the most iconic figures in fell running, Joss Naylor is known as the “King of the Fells”, who unfortunately passed away in late June 2024. He won the FRA Long Distance Award for his remarkable achievements, including his record-breaking run of 60 Lakeland Fell tops, aged 60 years. Naylor’s name is synonymous with endurance, having also completed the Lakeland 24-Hour Record in 1975, where he summited 72 peaks over a distance of 100 miles with 37,000 feet of ascent.
2. Nicky Spinks
Nicky Spinks is a legend in the world of fell running, known for her incredible endurance and resilience. She has been nominated for the FRA Long Distance Award multiple times, with one of her most notable achievements being the Double Bob Graham Round in 2016. This feat involved completing the 66-mile route twice in one continuous push, covering 132 miles and 54,000 feet of ascent in under 46 hours. Nicky was also the first person to complete all “Big Three” Double 24-hour rounds (Bob Graham, Paddy Buckley and Ramsay’s Round), finishing with the Paddy Buckley in May 2019. Spinks’ achievements are even more remarkable considering she overcame breast cancer, which has made her an inspirational figure in the sport.
3. Steve Birkinshaw
Steve Birkinshaw is celebrated for his outstanding achievement of completing the Wainwrights in 2014. He ran all 214 Wainwright peaks in the Lake District, covering a distance of over 325 miles with around 36,000 meters of ascent in just 6 days and 13 hours. His accomplishment not only earned him the FRA Long Distance Award but also set a new benchmark for what is possible in long-distance fell running. Birkinshaw’s deep connection to the Lake District and his innovative approach to training and nutrition played a key role in his success.
4. Jasmin Paris
Jasmin Paris has become a household name in the ultra-running community, with numerous records to her name. In 2016, she set the fastest known time for the Bob Graham Round by a woman, completing it in 15 hours and 24 minutes, which was one of the fastest times ever, regardless of gender. Her achievements earned her the FRA Long Distance Award, and she continued to break records, including winning the Montane Spine Race in 2019, a 268-mile race along the Pennine Way, where she became the first woman to win outright and broke the course record.
5. James Gibson
James Gibson has only recently in the past 6 years come on to the ultra-running scene, but over that time he has built up his endurance resume, with a first continuous completion of the Winter Wainwrights, the first completion of the Winter Steve Parr Round. In 2023, James was awarded the FRA Long Distance Award for his completion of all of the “Big Three” rounds solo/ unsupported in a winter season, the first completion of the Trans Cuillin on the Isle of Skye along with setting a new record on The Etive Munro’s round.
Styles of Completion
The FRA Long Distance Award celebrates various styles of completion, recognising that there are many ways to achieve excellence in long-distance fell running. Here are some of the styles commonly associated with the award:
1. Supported vs. Unsupported
Many record attempts and challenges are undertaken with support, where runners have pacers, navigators, and logistics teams to provide food, drink, and encouragement. This style allows runners to focus solely on their performance and is often used for record-breaking attempts. In contrast, unsupported attempts require runners to carry all their own food, water (which can be sourced whilst running) and equipment, making the challenge more demanding and highlighting self-sufficiency and resilience.
2. Solo vs. Team Efforts
While many runners take on long-distance challenges solo, there is also recognition for team efforts. Some challenges are designed to be completed by relay teams, where each member runs a section of the route, showcasing teamwork and collective endurance. Both solo and team efforts are celebrated, acknowledging the different dynamics and challenges each style presents.
3. Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
Setting a Fastest Known Time on a route has become a popular pursuit in the fell running community. The FRA Long Distance Award often recognizes runners who set new FKTs, as these achievements push the boundaries of what is possible. FKTs require runners to balance speed with endurance, navigation, and often, a deep understanding of the route.
4. Innovative Routes
In addition to established challenges, the FRA Long Distance Award also recognizes innovative routes that offer new ways to experience and explore the hills and mountains. These routes often require runners to create their own navigation strategies, showcasing creativity and a pioneering spirit.
Conclusion
The FRA Long Distance Award is a celebration of the extraordinary achievements in the world of fell running. It recognises the courage, endurance, and skill required to take on some of the most challenging terrains in the UK. Over the years, the award has highlighted the accomplishments of runners who have set new records, pioneered new routes, and demonstrated that the limits of endurance are always being pushed. From iconic figures like Joss Naylor to modern athletes like Jasmin Paris, the award continues to inspire and honour those who take on the rugged beauty of the hills with determination and passion.
About the author: James Gibson has completed many long distance challenges throughout the United Kingdom, including the first completion of the Winter Wainwright round (350 miles & 41,000 meters of ascent) in December 2021, the first winter completion of the Steve Parr Round (125 miles and 13,000 meters of ascent) in February 2021, a fast Wainwright round (6 days and 5 hours) in April 2022, winter solo/ unsupported Bob Graham record (21 hours and 12 minutes) in December 2022, first solo/ unsupported sub 24 hour winter Ramsay’s round (23 hours and 9 minutes), first “Big Three” solo/ unsupported sub-24 winter rounds in one season (December 2022 – February 2023) and the first to complete the Trans Cuillin sub-24 (west to east traverse of 70 tops of the Cuillins).
He is a summer and Winter Mountain Leader (SML & WML), Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor (MCI), Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor trainee (WMCI) and Outdoor First Aid Qualified. James is also a UESCA certified Ultra Running Coach and you can find out more from his website here.
All images courtesy James Gibson
