NLFR Training
We run regular training sessions throughout the year to help members improve fitness, build confidence, and enjoy running on the fells with others. Whether you’re new to fell running or looking to sharpen up for your next race, you’re very welcome to come along.
Regular Club Training
We run regular training sessions on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Tuesday runs meet at 7pm for a 7.10 start. Thursdays: 7pm for a 7.05 start.
New runners are always welcome to join, but we ask that you supply us with your emergency contact details in advance by completing the form below. We need this information so that run leaders can contact your next of kin and/or emergency contact in the event of an emergency on one of our runs. Once you have completed the form, you will be shown the info to access our SPOND group and training schedule.
We aim to cater for all fitness and ability levels and whatever your speed, you will not be left to run alone.
It is important that you familiarise youreself with our kit requirements before joining us for a training run. These can be found under the ‘What kit do I need?’ question in our FAQs further down the page.
Please note our training runs are open to Over 18s only.
How to join a training session
Step 1: Complete Our Emergency Contact Form
Step 2: Join NLFR on SPOND
We use the SPOND app for sharing training details, updates, and club events. It’s free, easy to use, and helps us stay organised. Details on how to access our SPOND group can be accessed once you’ve completed the Emergency Contact Form.
Safety
Please see our FAQ below for information on kit requirements for training runs.
Our safety rules apply to Tuesday night sessions only.
These are our group running safety procedures:
There will be at least three specified running groups: fast, medium and steady. If there are more than eight runners in a group it may be necessary for a fourth group to be set up
Each group will have a designated run leader for the duration of the run. The run leader will take a head count of all in the group before setting off and at appropriate intervals during the run and at the end. The run leader is responsible for the group’s safety, not necessarily for route-finding or navigation.
If we don’t have your contact details in advance, new runners will be asked to provide their mobile and emergency contact details to the run leader before setting off.
All these procedures are in place to ensure your safety. Should you be injured, please remember that that will involve other runners helping you out. Even if it’s warm, a turned ankle can soon make sweat chill.
Emergency Contact Form
We ask all runners to provide an emergency contact number before joining a club run.
This information is used only in the event of an emergency and may be shared with committee members or run leaders when needed to ensure your safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to be a club member to join a training session?
A: No, you’re welcome to join us for training runs without joining the club. We just ask that you complete our Emergency Contact Form first so we have your details in case of an emergency.
Q: What kit do I need?
A: In winter (ie September to March), we *require* you to carry full FRA advised kit (waterproof top, bottoms, hat, gloves and whistle) on the run and to wear appropriate footwear and bring a headtorch. You should also carry a mobile phone. If you don’t have full kit, you cannot join the training run. If you know of any new runners planning to come along, please let them know of these requirements and ask them to make themselves known to run leaders at the outset. (Note the Club has two spare head torches, so if you are running for the first time off road and wish to try one out please let us know beforehand so that we can ensure these are brought along).
In spring/summer (ie April to August), we strongly suggest that you carry at least a waterproof or windproof jacket, and a mobile phone.
Q: How do I find out where training is each week?
A: We share full session details (location, time) via our private group on the SPOND app. You’ll be given access once you’ve submitted your emergency contact form.
Q: Where do training sessions usually take place?
A: We rotate locations to make the most of the great local terrain around Leeds and Wharfedale. Some of our regular meeting spots include:
-
Adel War Memorial (AWMA) – The Old School, 34 Church Ln, Leeds LS16 8DE
-
Hermit Pub, Burley – Moor Rd, Burley in Wharfedale, Ilkley LS29 7AS
-
Otley Chevin – Surprise View car park, Yorkgate Rd, Otley, LS21 3DG
-
Round Hill – Hill Top Farm, Hunger Hill, Middleton, Ilkley LS29 0DN
-
Beamsley Beacon – Swan Inn car park, 106 Main St, Addingham, Ilkley LS29 0NS
-
Darwin Gardens, Ilkley – Wells Road car park, LS29 9JD
-
Local Leeds sessions – Meanwood Park, Roundhay Park, and occasional sunset runs
Exact locations and meeting points are always confirmed via our SPOND group, so make sure you’re signed up to stay in the loop.
Q: What kind of sessions do you run?
A: Our weekly training includes two main types of sessions:
-
Tuesday Group Runs – These are sociable, hilly runs in and around North Leeds (e.g. Ilkley, Chevin, Burley, Harewood). We split into pace-based groups and typically run for around an hour on trails and fell terrain.
-
Thursday Speed Sessions – These are more structured sessions focused on improving fitness, running speed, endurance, and stamina. The format varies each week (intervals, tempo work, hill reps, etc.) and we rotate starting points across North Leeds.
Full details for each week’s sessions, including meeting location and session type, are shared via SPOND.
Q: Can beginners come along?
A: Yes! We welcome runners of all backgrounds. If you’re new to fell running or unsure whether a session will suit you, drop us a line first.
Q: Do I have to run every week?
A: Not at all! Come when it suits you. Some members are regulars, others drop in when they can.
Contact us
Email Us
enquiries@nlfr.co.uk
