We Need To Talk About Chevin is to put simply the worst possible scenario when touring the Chevin. Starting on Station Road with the first climb right out of the blocks heading straight up to Surprise view. Then right down to The West Gate and up again, then onwards to the famous Danefield climb then down to a loop of Poolscar Wood. The Far Eastern point is The Fells Plantation where you climb up alongside the power lines and back to Chevin Forest Park before making the final climb up Miller Lane and absolutely fly back down to Jonny Lane Back and Station Road.

The race starts and finishes on Station Road, but registration and post race refreshments come courtesy of The Black Horse, a fine pub with a courtyard ideal for post-race celebration and tales of your adventure. The race classes as a Category BM fell race with 650 metres over 14km / 2130ft over 9 Miles, not for the faint-hearted!

RACE DETAILS WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT CHEVIN 

Race HQ The Black Horse, 2 Westgate, Otley LS21 3AS
Distance 14km / 9 miles
CAT BM Fell Race
Elevation 650m / 2130ft
Terrain dirt / rocky ground / grass / footpaths
Route Map GPX / PDF (note: for info and recces only - under FRA rules you may not use the GPX on race day.)
Registration 9:30
Race Start 11:00 / 10:45 (early start)
Entry Limit 200

RACE DETAILS CHEVIN IS BS - NEW FOR 2025

Distance 9km / 5.5 miles
CAT BS Fell Race
Elevation 390m / 1279ft
Terrain dirt / rocky ground/grass / footpaths
Route Map GPX / PDF (note: for info and recces only - under FRA rules you may not use the GPX on race day.)
Registration 9:30
Race Start 11:00 / 10:45 (early start)
Entry Limit 200

REGISTRATION/RACE HQ

Pre-race registration will take place at The Black Horse where there are toilet facilities. The Black Horse has a fantastic range of food and drink for ultimate post-race refreshment.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

All finishers receive a complimentary pint of Craven ale at the end of the race.
All medals and tees are sold as optional extras upon entry, this is to to reduce our impact on our environment, and to make our races more affordable for everyone.

BAGS

Small bags/layers may be left at the Race Start Finish Area where there will be a designated space.

WATER

There will be a water refill station you pass at 6km.

KIT - MANDATORY

A call as to whether mandatory gear will be required will me made close to race day.

Race Map - PDF HERE

KIT - RECOMMENDED

Suitable footwear - for off-road running.
Hat or Buff
Gloves
Waterproof Jacket
Waterproof Trousers
Compass
Extra Layer
Emergency Food
Water container - Great Owl Running events are cupless, we provide plenty of water at refill stations but you must bring your own container.
 

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

To take part you must be confident you can complete the race within the cut-off times.

CUT OFFS

Checkpoint 5 = 70 mins
Runners reaching CP5 (6.5km) after 70 mins will be sent back to the start via the return route.

We have brought these very generous cut-offs in to make sure our marshals can get to their other commitments in good time and that our tail runners do not stray too far from the pack.

There are no cut offs for Chevin is BS

EARLY START

Early Start at 10:45 is reserved for those worried about meeting the cut offs.

COURSE MARKERS

The course will be partially marked. This means basic navigational skills are a requirement. As of all FRA-licensed races the use of digital navigation equipment is not allowed, a map will be provided to all runners at registration and is available to 

COURSE - WNTTAC

The Course starts on Station Road and heads straight up Jonny Lane and onto the infamous Chevin Steps all the way to Surprise View, you run to every checkpoint. The course will be partially flagged and a map will be provided.

Checkpoint 1 Surprise View
Checkpoint 2 West Chevin Road
Checkpoint 3 East Chevin Car Park
Checkpoint 4 Danefield Bottom
Checkpoint 5 Danefield (Water) CUT OFF 70 Mins
Checkpoint 6 Top of the Poolscar Wood
Checkpoint 7 Leeds Road
Checkpoint 8 Top of the Poolscar Wood
Checkpoint 9 Fells Plantation
Checkpoint 10 Chevin Top

You then head all the way home via Deer park, Chippendale Ride, Miller Lane, Richies Plantation and eventually back via Jonny Lane.

COURSE - BS

The Course starts on Station road and heads straight up Jonny Lane and onto the infamous Chevin Steps. You run to every checkpoint listed below. The course will be partially flagged and a map will be provided.

Checkpoint 0 Top Step
Checkpoint 3 East Chevin Car Park
Checkpoint 4 Danefield Bottom
Checkpoint 5 Danefield (Water) CUT OFF 70 Mins
Checkpoint 6 Top of the Poolscar Wood (go straight to 9)
Checkpoint 9 Fells Plantation
Checkpoint 10 Chevin Top

You then head all the way home via Deer park, Chippendale Ride, Miller Lane, Richies Plantation and eventually back via Jonny Lane.

PRIZES

The Black Horse 13:15.
We have medals and treats to hand out for 1st, 2nd, 3rd overall and each age category V45, V55, V65 and under 23s

POST RACE

You will be able to collect your post race beer from the bar and if you have ordered medals / tee you will be able to pick them up from us at the end of the race.