Call for fell running club ambassadors across Wales

Karl Morris – King of the Mountain -after his ultra-marathon success

The Welsh Fell Runners Association is looking to recruit several new Club Ambassadors.

The intention is to find individuals willing to represent each running club in Wales that compete on the hills.

This is a similar scheme to that being set up by the FRA in England and the intention is to run ours in tandem with the same objectives.

Fell running has seen a huge rise in the number of people taking part in recent years, many of whom come without a background in mountain environments, navigation and personal safety.

Charlotte-Rose Wilton Jones

As the lead governing body for fell racing in Wales, the WFRA are keen to promote safety and good practice.

The focus of the Ambassador role would be to act as a point of contact between the WFRA and club members. And in particular this might include: –
*Passing on key information sent out by the WFRA.
*Promoting safe fell-running practise and the key rules of racing in accordance with the WFRA Safety Requirements.
*Advertising key WFRA events within your club (Championship races, navigational courses, etc).
*Encouraging membership of the WFRA amongst fell runners in your club.
*Answering queries and providing guidance for those new to the sport.

Steve Bozier at Moel Famau summit in the Cilcain Mountain Race (photo by Mark Edwards)

The intention is that those taking on the role value and support the WFRA, and there is no requirement to be a committee member within your club, although having good communication with your committee would be beneficial.

The role is intended to be extremely low maintenance with the main requirement being to pass on key communications made a few times a year.

The list of Ambassadors will be published on the WFRA website and will need to include an email contact. This list will be reviewed once a year and individuals can withdraw from the role at any time.

Part of the challenging Tryfan Downhill Dash course

Andrew Blackmore WFRA Secretary, confirmed: “I have tried to contact one or two people from each club in sending an email in the hope it does reach the right people, if not please forward it to the most appropriate club officer.

“Some clubs already have an identified “fell” secretary and that person may be the natural choice, but you may wish to identify another Ambassador from within your membership and have two Ambassadors, it’s entirely your choice.

“I would be grateful if you could share this appeal with your readers.”

*Anyone interested should contact Andrew Blackmore WFRA Secretary directly. Email: andrew@wfra.org.uk. Tel: (01633) 882558