Ahead of iconic local running event, The Tour 2026, we’re shining a light on all four individual races, with this week’s focus the much-loved Hell on the Fell.
The long-running 6-mile race pushes runners to take on a landscape filled with steep climbs and sharp descents, and is widely regarded as one of the toughest around.
Starting at Active Copley in Stalybridge, runners are taken on an incredible journey towards the trig point on Copley Fell, an area known for its stunning views.
The Hell on the Fell is the second of four challenging races which take place across the weekend.
“It’s my personal favourite,” said former Tour runner up and East Cheshire Harrier Gavin Browne.
“Especially with it being on my doorstep, it’s around 200 metres from my house.
“But I’ve also grown up watching it as a young lad, and I was kind of inspired from that - it’s a race I always wanted to do.
“It’s a really tough climb, but I’ve grown up running similar routes, so it doesn’t bother me as much.
“The toughest part is the lack of recovery afterwards – your legs are battered from the Fell on the Friday and then it’s straight into the Half Marathon on the Saturday morning.”
The Hell on the Fell takes place on day two of the Tour 2026 (Saturday, June 19).
Entries for the full Tour are now sold out, but entries to the Half Marathon and Hyde 7 are still available.
To enter, or join this year’s full Tour waiting list, visit the following link:
https://www.thetourevents.co.uk/enter
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