NorthernRunner.com Blog

Blakey Blitz Fell Race Results 2017

On a weekend of running events it was great to see 121 starters for this years Blakey Blitz fell race. Showers greeted the start and the wind was a force at times, but this didn’t spoil some great racing. Harry Holmes – Pudsey and Bramley claimed victory from Ambleside’s George Foster with Stuart George – York Knavesmire 3rd and promoting club Esk Valley’s Paul Williams in 4th. The mens team victory went to York Knavesmire, with supporting Stuart, Simon Collins, Thomas Ratcliffe and Barry Atkinson. In the womens race Rhona... Read More

Blakey Blitz Fell Race 2017

The next race in the Dave Parry Winter Fell Race Series is Blakey Blitz on Sunday 19th March 2017. This race is a tuffy. It’s about 10 miles long with 2800 feet of ascent. The underfoot conditions vary you will run over hard packed tracks, tarmac, slippy paving slabs, rough moorland tracks, peat bog and the odd grass field. So, well studded grippy off road shoes are a must. The event start/finish/registration is at the Lion Inn, Blakey Ridge, Near Ralphes Cross, Castleton, Guisborough, North Yorkshire (NZ678998). Entry is £5... Read More

“What are the Best Running Shoes for Good Form?” | 3 Great Running Technologies

Running Shoes That Help Improve Running Form Running shoes have changed a lot since Northern Runner opened it’s doors in 1998. The biggest change in recent years is newer running companies like, ON, Altra, and Scott redefining running shoe construction and function, with a huge focus on encouraging a more efficient form. Key aspects include; promoting good posture, allowing your feet and toes to function more naturally and employing stabilising muscles (and more) in the quest for better form. Space to Move Your foot is your body’s first shock absorber. It also stabilises... Read More

High Cup Nick Fell Race Results 2017

Inov-8 High Cup Nick – Dufton Race Report 2017 The 2017 Inov-8 High Cup Nick- Dufton Fell Race grabbed a window in the weather between Storms Doris and Euan to provide probably the slippiest underfoot conditions ever for this 11th edition of Dufton Village’s popular early season fell & Junior trail races. Despite the terrible weather forecast on Friday evening, come Saturday morning the wind & rain had calmed significantly, much to the relief of race organisers, Morgan & Lucy Donnelly, and Kirkby Stephen’s dedicated Mountain Rescue Team. A record... Read More

What Are Zero Drop Running Shoes? Altra & Zero Drop Origin/Definitions/Tips

Altra Zero DropTM: Origin, Useful Definitions & Tips   Useful Definitions Zero Drop Heel and forefoot are the same distance from the ground. This promotes a more impact-efficient form of running on the balls of the foot. Foot Shaped Toe Box Unlike traditional running shoes, a FootShapeTM Toe Box is wider, more rounded shape allowing for the toes to relax and spread out naturally. Gender Specific Altra do not just take a ‘unisex’ shoe and change the colour to pink or purple for women. Women’s feet are anatomically different to... Read More

Shoes for Trail Running | How Trail Running Shoes Should Fit

How Should My Off-Road Shoes Fit ? — Trail Shoes 30+ Years Ago When I first started fell running, British brand Walsh was the dominant force. They have always been small-fitting shoes and as such, you used to buy them snug and ‘customise’ them to your foot. You would put them on and stand in a bucket of water! The upper would stretch and take the shape of your foot (they also turned your feet and socks blue!).  You did this because it was believed that you needed a tight... Read More

What Running Shoes Should I Buy? Northern Runner’s ‘Things to Consider’

Considerations When Buying Running Shoes — Shopping for the right running shoes can be very confusing. We often get asked by customers ‘what are the best running shoes?’. Well despite all running shoe brands telling you their brand of shoes are the best via clever marketing campaigns, there isn’t one brand and certainly not one shoe. As every runner has different shaped feet, hits the ground with a different part of the foot & subsequent force and has very different movement patterns it makes sense that there isn’t one good... Read More

Altra Zero Drop | New Shoes Spring/Summer 2017

What’s new from Altra for Spring 2017? Off Road Altra King MT Altra has a new and very exciting shoe coming into the UK market place. The Altra King MT is a low profile trail running shoe with more grip. The 19mm thick midsole is made from a more cushioned material so although it is thinner than the Altra Superior 2.0 or 3.0 it still offers a good degree of cushioning. The thinner midsole makes for a more stable off road shoe. So, you have more ground feel and your... Read More

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Glaisdale Rigg Fell Race 2017

The next race in the Dave Parry Winter Fell Race Series is Glaisdale Rigg on Sunday 5th March 10.30am. The race is organised by Loftus and Whitby AC. Entry is £5 on the day only. The registration is at the Arncliffe Arms, Glaisdale, Nr Castleton, Guisborough, North Yorkshire (NZ 781058). The route is about 8.5 miles long with around 1500 feet of ascent. The route is a mix of county lanes, muddy paths over the moors, and hard core bridleways. There is enough moorland running to make a good grippy... Read More

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High Cup Nick Fell Race 2017

The High Cup Nick Fell Race is on Saturday 25th February 2017. This is a race organised by Morgan Donnelly, the 2012 British Fell Running Champion, and his Wife Lucy. This a traditional friendly race that starts and finishes in the village of Dufton in the Eden Valley. The route follows a favourite training loop of Morgan’s and takes in the spectacular High Cup Nick. Entry is on the day and costs £7 which includes Soup and a Roll. There are trail races for the kids which are £1 to... Read More