About Us

Durham Fell Runners was formed in April 2004 from a core of runners who were - and in some cases still are - members of established local running clubs and who for some time had been training together on the hills, moors and trails around Hamsterley Forest.

Since then the "magnificent seven" have been joined by more and more like-minded "bog-dodgers"! Members' objectives and abilities vary and all are welcomed regardless. Some of our members - irrespective of age - are extremely competitive, some prefer a nice steady jog once-a-week over the fells and some just like to sit in the pub and talk about the latest "niggle" that's stopping them setting the fell-running world on fire!

Because members come from inside and outside the county, many see each other only at events. The internet and email therefore play an important part in bonding the club together.

We have several qualified fell-running coaches and members with "mountains" of experience in all disciplines so there is plenty of advice on hand for those that want it.

Stats

As at 05/03/07 DFR had 62 members: Male - 73%; Female - 27%; Oldest - 75 years; Youngest - 17 years. Categories (%): Senior (0-39 years) - 18%; Veteran (40-49 years) - 60%; Super Veteran (50-59 years) - 17%; Super-Duper Veteran (60-69) - 3%; Hors-Category - Alex Menarry (75 years)!

Place

We train on Thursday nights at 7pm from the Visitor Centre in Hamsterley Forest. See the map.

If you can't open the map, here are the directions: Hamsterley Forest is situated in the west of County Durham in North East England in the foothills of the North Pennines. The Visitor Centre (GR 092312) can be found at the eastern end of the forest about 6 km west of the A68 mid-way between the towns of Darlington to the south and Consett to the north. Hamsterley Forest is approximately: 9 miles west of Bishop Auckland ; 17 miles north-west of Darlington ; 15 miles south-west of Durham ; 16 miles south of Consett

From the A68 north of Toft Hill and south of Witton-le-Wear, follow signs for Hamsterley. Through the village, turn right approximately 100 metres after the Cross Keys pub and follow the signs for the Visitor Centre.