EP10 - What is takes to be a TOP LEVEL FELL RUNNER with Kirsty Hall

Is fell running the purest form of racing? In this episode of RUNcensored, Gary House and Ben Mounsey are joined by Kirsty Hall, fell runner extraordinaire, with a racing career spanning almost 40 years. A 5-time winner of the BOFRA championship (British Open Fell Running Association), Kirsty has also represented Yorkshire and previously finished 2nd in the world masters mountain running championship. Today Kirsty joins us to talk about all things fell running, including a comparison between the then and now, what makes the sport so special and why it’s so exciting and unique. We also explore what makes fell running different from trail and ultra running, how BOFRA supports the sport, and why every runner should try it at least once! 

Gary has also asked us to mention that Kirsty has the patience of a saint! 

From brutal climbs and wild race prizes to training mistakes and aging in endurance sports, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and real talk.

🎧 What’s Inside:

✅ What is fell running? How it differs from trail & ultra running

✅ BOFRA and its role in the fell running community

✅ The wildest race prizes ever 🍷🍪

✅ How running changes as you age and how to adapt

✅ Strength training for endurance runners—is it necessary?

✅ Bouncing back from DNFs and race-day disasters

📚 Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction & Meet Kirsty Hall

Gary, Ben, and Kirsty discuss her background in fell running, ultra-running, and coaching.

3:15 - What is Fell Running?

Why it’s different from trail running and why you should try it.

8:10 - BOFRA & Its Role in Fell Running

How the British Open Fell Runners Association (BOFRA) supports the sport.

12:45 - The Strangest Fell Running Prizes

From wine and biscuits to odd household items—Kirsty shares some of the weirdest prizes she’s won.

18:30 - The Truth About Ultra Training

Why so many runners train the wrong way for ultras.

24:20 - Strength Training for Runners

Is it really necessary for endurance athletes?

30:00 - The Mental Side of Running

How to handle DNFs, setbacks, and the pressure of long races.

36:40 - How Running Changes as You Age

Training tips for runners in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.

42:00 - Kirsty’s Favourite Races & Running Moments

Her top races, biggest challenges, and best experiences.

48:30 - Final Thoughts & Advice for Runners

Kirsty’s best tips for new and experienced runners, plus closing thoughts from Gary and Ben.

Why You Should Listen:

If you’ve ever wondered what makes fell running so different or if you’re looking for real-world ultra-running training tips, this episode is packed with laughs, insights, and practical advice.

#RunningPodcast #FellRunning #UltraRunning #BOFRA #TrailRunning #MarathonTraining #RUNcensored #GaryHouse #BenMounsey #KirstyHall

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