Cockfield Chase


2023 Race – RESULTS

Huge thanks to all who ran or helped at Cockfield Chase tonight. I’m sorry we had some technical problems with the results so we kept you hanging round longer that I would have liked, our finishing system didn’t cope with the larger field of entry and few errors crept in which needed resolving. I am fairly certain we have now got the results right, but if you spot something which looks wrong then let me know.

It was magnificent to see so many of you enjoying the event, so many people spoke to me and said it was their first race, and almost all of you got a prize! We had more female starters than male starters, which is so rare in fell racing I believe the last time it happened may have been this event last year.

Chris Alborough ran a new course record taking 26 seconds off the time set in 2021 by Richard Bateson. Congratulations Chris.

If any of you would like to consider joining Durham Fell Runners, we train every Thursday and every other Tuesday for ladies only. We welcome all abilities, so let me know if you would like to come along.

It was great to see Butterknowle Sea Scouts proving the refreshments, many thanks to them for supporting the event.

Thanks again for your support.


The 2023 running of Cockfield Chase 2023 was on Thursday 27th April, details are on the FRA and pre-entries are open viat the link below. I will also have some entries available on the day.

https://www.sientries.co.uk/event.php?event_id=11233

Cockfield Chase is designed as a beginners fell race, organised by Durham Fell Runners, licensed by the Fell Runners Association (FRA). 

All runners are welcome (age 14+), whatever your ability or experience, so long as you think you can safely get around the 7km off road route. It’s half race, half social run.

If you bring a prize, you will win a prize!

The Race

Two laps:

  • The first lap is a group run to see the route – 3.5km, starting at 7pm.
  • The second lap is the race – 3.5km, starting immediately as the first runners finish the first loop.
  • Route: No map required, you are shown the route on the night .
  • Experience: None required. Suitable for beginners with off road running shoes.
  • Distance: 7km
  • Elevation Gain: 160m
  • Pre Entry: £5 (FRA Members), £6 (non members).
  • Age: 14+

This event runs on a bring a prize – win a prize format. So if you bring a prize (anything will do) you will win a prize. If you don’t bring a prize – Booo!

Photo Credit: Darren Fairclough

Parking: Please park as directed by marshals at the car park at the top of Cockfield (DL13 5HF) main street.

DO NOT PARK IN THE VILLAGE OR BLOCKING VISIBILITY AT THE JUNCTION.

The Route

FRA race assessment matrix


All photos courtesy of Darren Fairclough, taken during the 2021 event.