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 feint hearted!

Race details
We need to talk about chevin

Date Saturday 22 March 2025
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 / TCX / LINK / 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
Entry Limit 200
Price From £9

Race details
chevin is BS - new for 2025

Date Saturday 22 March 2025
Race HQ The Black Horse, 2 Westgate, Otley LS21 3AS
Distance 10km / 6 miles
CAT BS Fell Race
Elevation 390m / 1279ft
Terrain dirt / rocky ground / grass / footpaths
Route Map GPX / TCX / LINK / 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
Entry Limit 200
Price From £9

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 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.

Mandatory Gear

Water container - Great Owl Running events are cupless, we provide plenty of water at refill stations but you must bring your own container.
Race Map - provided

Recommended Gear

Suitable footwear - for off road running.

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

GETTING THERE / PARKING

Otley is a very small town and there are various car parks and plenty of on street parking very close to The Black Horse. Please avoid residential streets.

The X84 bus service is regular and fast from Leeds and Ilkley.

Course Markers / navigation

The course will be partially marked. 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

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 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 6/8 Top of the Poolscar Wood
Checkpoint 7 Leeds Road
Checkpoint 9 Fells Plantation

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. The course will be flagged and a map will be provided.

Checkpoint 1 Top Step
Checkpoint 2 East Chevin Car Park
Checkpoint 3 Danefield Bottom
Checkpoint 4 Danefield (Water)
Checkpoint 5 Top of the Poolscar Wood
Checkpoint 6 Fells Plantation