BOFRA Through My Eyes
by Vicky Woof
For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Vicky Woof. I’m 18 years old and run for Furness Fell Runners based in Ulverston. I’ve been running for 10 years and have competed in the BOFRA series for the past 4 years. The reason I love these races so much is because of the support and community feel. No matter what position you finish, everyone cheers you in. My favourite race has to be the Muker Show event (more about this later). The races are perfect for those looking to start competing as each race has varying difficulty. There is even a t-shirt up for grabs for completing 8 out of the 16 races. Furness Fell Runners are definitely one of the most attended clubs over the junior and senior categories. The club is like one big family which is what I look for as with a good support network, you can achieve your goals. I’d recommend if you want to join a club, go for it as it isn’t as scary as you expect. My 2 goals for this season were to finish top 5 female overall and come 1st female under 23. Both of which I achieved!
These BOFRA races wouldn’t happen without all the faces working behind the scenes to organise each race to the highest standard possible. Su Thompson is chairman and welcomes those wanting to become a BOFRA member each season. Her husband, Geoff, is the webmaster and results publisher (results are usually up the evening of the race). Vice Chair is Vicky Bloor who this year did 10 of the races to finish 10th lady and earn herself trophy. Estelle Willis fills the secretary position and Paul Crabtree is treasurer and-, president but also starts most of the races (unless he’s racing in them himself). This team of people are the core of any BOFRA race happening but the committee has many more helpers (too many to mention here).
The 2025 British Open Fell Runners Association (BOFRA) series kicked off on Saturday 10th May at the much loved Sedbergh, situated below the lovely Howgill’s. Picking up your number for the whole series to me means a lot and getting number 176, I hoped for a great season ahead. This race offers everything packed in a 2.40 mile blast to the top of Winder Fell and back down the most direct route (which is also the steepest). I found this race challenging but suiting my strengths as it was my most local one but we got stuck straight into the climb. Unfortunately descending over the ghyll, I ended up taking a tumble but in true fell runner style got straight back up to finish in a respectable 8th female position. Race winner was Simon Bailey in 22:17 and 1st female Emma McColm in 26:00.
The next race was Coniston Gullies on Sunday 25th May. This race is just a mile in length but packs in a lung busting climb and very technical, steep descent (not for the faint hearted!) After being out the night before, I was feeling a little rough but still managed a 9th female position which for me I was pleased with. Race winner was Joe Woodley in 15:17 and the female winner was Kate Marriot in 18:11.
With only a week to recover, Kettlewell came on Sunday 1st June which is a 1.45 mile course. Opening the month with this race is the best thing in my eyes. A wide start line soon narrows to a tight, single track leading up to the ever famous gully which can cause a bottle neck unless you’re first there of course. The route continues to climb before traversing the skyline and descending the uneven ground then hitting the tiniest bit of scree which to me seems to go on forever especially in slippery conditions. The race however doesn’t stop here as the track back to the finish is fast and furious meaning sometimes positions can still be up for grabs. I came in 4th female but the race was won by Sam Bentham in 11:43 and Charlotte Rawstron in 14:11 (one thing to add here is both winners were under 23 athletes which shows the talent of the younger end of the seniors).
The new race was next up held at Ulverston where competitors raced up and down Flan Fell. This race like most other BOFRA races was short and sharp, coming in at 1.70 miles. The flat fields to start got you settled into a nice pace until hitting the uphill which brought you out to take in lovely views of the surrounding area (if you had time to look), after this a downhill let you recover before a short traverse before climbing back up to the top of the Flan. Yet another descent got you back to the finish. My result was 2nd female but everyone filtered in not far behind one another so it really was a race to the end. The winners both received lovely artwork trophies and these were Tom Bell in 11:42 and Rebecca Rooke in 15:54.
Hawkswick Dash took place on Sunday 15th June in the cloudy dales. This course offers a fast section of road until slowly climbing a track before turning to get right into the steep climb. Once turning at the first cairn, there’s heather to negotiate and also a stone wall. On reaching the second cairn, competitors are faced with a steep, rocky descent to get back to the track then a sprint finish along the road to reach the finish. With only being 1.40 miles long, this race offers something for every type of runner. The day can then be spent paddling in the river nearby to cool off! I enjoy this course so was happy to come 9th female but the race was won by Ted Mason in 11:51 and Isabelle Rowe in 15:54.
A week off, then on Saturday 28th June Kirkby-in-Furness sprung to life with the gala event. With lots to see and do this is a great event for those with kids to attend. The race starts with a short lap of the show field to reach the stile before the road then fast fields lead you up to another road before turning to a fell track which this year was very slippy due to the damp weather. Running up Kirkby Moor to the windmill where you turned was foggy this year but that didn’t make anyone slow down (in fact I think it made people speed up). First man home was Max Hazelhurst in 22:23 and I’m delighted to say I (Vicky Woof) was first female in 30:26. Every year I say I hate the Kirkby Gala race route but something this year changed that!
BOFRA races don’t always happen in England as on Saturday 12th July we all took a trip over the Scottish border to participate in the Alva Games. This year the weather was boiling hot (well over 30 degrees) which made for some challenging conditions. 1.65 miles in length means an all-out march for 0.8 of a mile then a blast back down the way you came. The first part of the race climbs up through the golf course but this is quite deceiving as the route gets a lot steeper the further up you get. On reaching the summit, the marshals (Lindsay Buck and Jim Davis) direct you back down. In photos, you may see people wearing gloves which sounds daft but in actual fact can help on the descent as there’s a lot of gorse bushes! Don’t want prickles in your hands after all. Not only is there the fell race at this event but also track races happening which can lead many to make a full day (or a weekend) of being in Scotland. This event has a great atmosphere as there are lots of fair rides as well as the actual sports which include heavyweight championships and highland dancing. Craig Dunbar (Alva Games Secretary) does an amazing job at sorting out pre-entries for all races but this year a big thanks must go to the First Aid Perthshire crew who helped many runners who were suffering with heatstroke (myself included). As a kind gesture, BOFRA donated £100 to fund their work as you never know when you need people like that. The race was won by Sam Bentham in 23:08 and Beth Evans in 36:15.
After an exciting visit up North the next race was Cracoe on Sunday 20th July, this is a 2.60 mile race which starts through a couple of fields before jumping a trailer that helps get over the wall then an actual wall to jump. The race continues through some tough terrain before reaching the pinnacle that marks the top then it’s back the same way you’ve come. I found the descent of this race really fun but the mixture of terrain you run over definitely tests your skills. Race winner was Rob Hope in 21:46 and female winner was Isabelle Rowe in 27:30. In this race I was 4th female which I was quite pleased with.
Ambleside Sports is a very popular event for runners, cyclists and even wrestlers. It’s generally held on a Thursday and this year fell on the 31st July. To prove its popularity, it was the most attended BOFRA race in the 2025 season with 267 juniors and seniors combined. This is very similar to Alva Games and Craig even comes down to commentate (which is always the best). The race is 1.70 miles in length and starts with a blast out of the main ring before the going gets tough climbing up the fell. On reaching a false summit, the top comes into view but the last section of the climb is very scrambly. The return is pretty much the same route apart from a little dog leg section to reduce runners getting slowed down by those on their way up. Coming back into the ring chute, the crowd erupts and every runner is cheered back in regardless of their finish position (I was 7th at this race). The race was won by Joe Hudson in 14:02 (he’d won the Rydal Round on the same day – impressive) and his sister (Maggie Hudson) finished first female in 18:11.
With 4 days to recover, Farleton Knott came on Sunday 3rd August on a lovely clear day in Cumbria. The race summits Farleton Fell after a short, sharp climb up through the gorse but with stunning views of the Lake District fells it’s not a race to miss. One of the slightly longer races in the season at 2.70 miles, it packs in some lovely runnable sections and a fast but boggy return with the buzz of the M6 to spur you on. With only one stile to climb over, the race is fairly well spread out. Jack Paul won in 19:46 and Helen Isley took the women’s victory in 27:16. I was happy with a podium finish in 3rd.
The weekend after on Saturday 9th August, Arncliffe Gala came around. Like many BOFRA events, there’s lots to see for all the family. This race attracts road and fell runners as earlier in the day there is the Littondale 4 mile event. The most attended club here is Ripon Runners as they do the 2 races at Arncliffe but also the parkrun on the same morning (commitment). The race route snakes through the walled lane before 2 steep climbs then a traverse on the skyline to reach the cairn which marks the joy of running back down the tough terrain. It doesn’t seem a long race when competing, but it comes in at 1.60 miles. Tom Bell won it in 10:40 (rapid) and female winner was Cathy Gill in 14:54 (also rapid). I was happy with a 3rd place finish but was close to second place female.
Bank holiday Monday sees the next BOFRA race at Reeth Show, coming in at 2 miles and this year we were treated to warm conditions. As mentioned previously, this is a big event with lots to see with the family (including agricultural stands, craft stands and main ring attractions which can be viewed best from the small hill situated behind the main show field). Seniors are called into the ring, which gives you time to eye up potential competitors, then the race starts with a blast along the tracks that lead to a lane to cross. The race then continues to climb up Fremington Edge and once your past the U17 turn, the going gets tougher (the top can’t come soon enough). The descent is through the old quarry works before hitting the road and the short section down the woodland. The last few moments of the race are taking in all the cheers as you lap round the ring down into the finish chute to discuss and congratulate other competitors. Winner was Tom Bell in 15:31 and Hayley Cooper just dipped in front of me in 22:57 (I was only 8 seconds behind her).
Even though it isn’t a BOFRA series counter, Kilnsey Crag race is definitely a race everyone should have on their bucket list. For more information have a chat with Ted Mason, he’ll be able to answer any questions you have.
Wednesday 3rd September hosted Muker Show in the lovely Swaledale valley. This is a senior champs race only but some juniors do compete. 1.35 miles in length means you have to settle into it as soon as you start through the midst of the show field. The river crossing this year was doubtful but it did happen and it’s the highlight! After this, it’s a hands and knee crawl up the far side of Fremington Edge (similar to Reeth) to reach the summit before a right turn takes you to some posts at the far side which marks the diagonal path that fetches you to the river and finish fields. I was so happy to take the win at this race in 17:04, I put my all into it and this is absolutely my most favourite race! Tom Bell won the race in 11:27.
The following weekend, Sunday 7th September, Burnsall took place. 1.50 miles in length this race starts with a steady field climb before stomping through heather to reach the cairn/trig. A technical, rutty descent gets you to fast fields to reach the end. I came 14th in this race but every year the last few races I start to struggle (been a long season at the end of the day). A name everyone is getting used to, Tom Bell, won in 13:33 and Charlotte Rawstron in 17:29.
Sunday 14th September marks the penultimate race at Bradley. There used to be a gala event but this hasn’t been held now for a few years but there’s still a great atmosphere. A steady, runnable climb follows fields and tracks before a steep ascent to the top of Bradley moor then retrace your steps all the way back. This race is the longest in the calendar at 3.50 miles and definitely separates the fell runners from the trail runners. Tom Bell was the winner in 21:38 with 5 consecutive wins and Louisa Powell-Smith won in 26:07. This race didn’t suit me but I got it done and finished in 13th female (not unlucky for me).
A 4 week rest and reset hypes you up for the final race at Wasdale Head Sheep Meet on Saturday 11th October. This race can be run in rain, wind and snow but this year we were treated to the lovely sunshine without a cloud in sight. On the drive over, you can see Kirk Fell staring down at you. This can be very daunting but the whole adrenaline rush after jumping the stile to get you onto the fell definitely takes the nerves away. With more than one false summit, the top comes after a 1.20 mile march with glorious views and a sense of relief but then what goes up must come down. A very technical, scary descent down the scree sections turn into grass and the final jump back onto the show field hurts like heck but you know it’s all been worth it to bring the BOFRA season to a close. Race winner was Tom Marshall in 44:00 (he had an amazing descent); female winner was Jean Powell in 52:26. I found this race difficult but I went out to enjoy the views so finishing 9th I was happy to end the season on a sort of high (however my steep descents need work).
After a full summer racing, the presentation dinner marks a milestone of a great season. Held at Rolls Royce Leisure Club this year on Saturday 22nd November, there is a delicious 2 course meal on offer, then the prize giving then the much-loved raffle with plenty of time to talk to competitors/friends made through the series. The overall male winner was Tom Bell with 477 points, 2nd place went to Ted Mason with 458 points and 3rd Jack Paul with 447 points. In the female category, winner was Jean Powell with 474 points, 2nd was Vicky Woof with 471 points and 3rd Jane Findlay with 443 points.
I asked a couple of the senior runners questions about the series and here are their answers.
Jean Powell
How long have you been running?
I’ve been running around 20 years. My first race was the Burnsall 10, a road race, and my last road race! 12 months later I did the Burnsall Classic, and I was hooked!
What’s your favourite BOFRA race?
It’s hard to pick a favourite BOFRA race: it’s more a case of my favourite type of race, which are the short, sharp steep races, so Hawkswick, Kettlewell, Coniston and Wasdale. If I had to pick, it would be Hawkswick as it was the first BOFRA race I did back in 2007.
What have you liked about this season?
It’s not specific to this season, but I particularly like BOFRA due to its family-friendly nature. It’s lovely to see friendships forming amongst the young runners, which they’ll no doubt carry into adulthood.
Who’s your biggest rival?
Each year, the runners we compete closely with change due to fitness, injuries, runners joining and leaving the series, so our rivals are different each year. Of course, this year, my rival was Vicky W and she was a worthy competitor! It was nail biting as the season progressed, and each of us won different races with the decider at the last race in Wasdale.
Ian Sadler
How long have you been running?
I would go for the occasional run as a teenager, as part of keeping fit for other sports, and I started to do parkrun every so often in 2010, but it wasn’t until 2017 that I started to increase my mileage and run more regularly, and then I started doing BOFRA races (and taking training more seriously) in 2021. I just wish I’d started running ‘properly’ ten years earlier.
What is your favourite BOFRA race?
The more runnable races seem to suit me, and I generally do well at Bradley. I also enjoy Cracoe and Arncliffe Gala. Hawkswick Dash was my first ever race and that’s always an enjoyable day, although I’m often frustrated with my descending there. I had my first ever podium finish at Farleton Knott this summer. So that’s got to be a contender as well.
What have you liked about this season?
I had a slow start to the season, recovering from the London Marathon and getting my hill legs back, I felt a bit rusty at my first race (Hawkswick Dash) where I came eleventh in the championship. However, I then put together a run of good results, coming third in the championship in my next three races and finishing in decent top ten positions for all the others. I also recorded personal bests in every race except the first two, so it was nice to feel like I was improving and getting quicker compared to previous seasons. I just wish I’d done one more race to ‘replace’ that eleventh place at Hawkswick in the championship table; I think I could’ve done well at Reeth, for example, and scored a few more points, which would’ve pushed me a couple of places higher in the end of season rankings. Oh well, lesson learnt for next season: I need to do more than the minimum eight races!
Who’s your biggest rival?
I would probably say Declan Walker. He’s stronger on the steep descents, and I’m generally quicker on the more runnable parts, but we seem to be pretty evenly matched overall and we’ve had quite a few very close finishes in the last couple of seasons (in 2025, for example, there were four races where we finished only a few seconds apart; I beat him three times, and he beat me four times). Alas, he finished four points ahead of me in the championship table, which is another reason why I wish I’d gone to Reeth and bagged a few more points. I definitely want to beat him next year!
Throughout the season there has been an average of 83 seniors competing and 103 juniors over the respective age categories at each race. BOFRA races are so much fun and everyone would love for there to me more competitors. So, if you’re reading this, the 2026 series kicks off on Saturday 16th May at Sedbergh.
Away from the main races, the Malham Charity relays happen later on in the series. Mixed teams of 3 compete over a 0.70 mile course and this year this was won by Henry Murray, Maisie Oddy and Jacy-Kate Jewitt. There is talk of a potential relay event being organised in Cumbria earlier on in the series so watch the BOFRA website for updates.