From the fell-britain.co.uk archives: a list of "made in Britain" running equipment suppliers
Walsh Sports - footwear
As Walsh themselves say, probably the most famous and recognisable fell running shoe in use today is their PB Elite trainer. No fell race is complete without the sight of the tell-tale flash of yellow and blue within the pack. Being simple, ultra-lightweight and eternally trusted by runners, the PB Elite is the best selling fell running shoe of all time and remains largely unchanged since its original incarnation.
More than just a supplier to the Fell Britain project, Walsh have provided sponsorship as well.
Running Bear - clothing
Running Bear is based in Alderley Edge, Cheshire right by the trails that run up and over the Edge and into the countryside beyond. The proprietor is Tony Hulme, who has been running for over forty years on the track, road and fell. Tony is a former manager of the England Mountain Running team and has coached several British fell running champions. He knows his fells.
Most importantly for the purposes of the Fell Britain project, Running Bear offer their own range of clothing, from vests, shorts and socks through to wind proofs. All of Running Bear’s own brand clothing is produced locally, in the UK.
Fastrax - clothing
Fastrax was founded by accomplished fell, cross-country, road and track runner Terry Lonergan in the 1970s. Conversation with Terry via e-mail and telephone helped us to create the Fell Britain project vest. Terry took the logos, design and ideas from the website and along with his knowledge of other kit available produced the extremely limited run of kit for us without any problem. Based on his work for both Wharfedale Harriers and the British Modern Pentathlon team, the vest incorporates the red, white and blue of the Union Jack and prominently features the logo of Norman Walsh.Mountain Method - clothing
Keeping dry on the fells isn’t just a comfort issue - it’s all about safety as well. For many years, the mandatory kit for fell racing has been windproof full body cover, but 2014 the Fell Runners Association have moved this up to waterproof.
Based in Cumbria, Mountain Method know about rain - and how to keep it out. They make all their garments in the UK and supply to outdoor centres and individuals alike. A pleasure to deal with, they’ll produce a bespoke garment for you or build one of their standard range in a material suitable for the rigours of running the fells.
Trakke - equipment
Trakke is the company whose products first inspired the Fell Britain project. Trakke hand build outdoor equipment bags for cyclists and adventurers in their Glasgow workshop.But more than that, they source each and every part from the UK as well. Ventile cotton, webbing straps, zips and parachute clasps all made in Britain and designed to last a lifetime.
Their philosophies of “handmade in the UK” and “sustainability through longevity” chime right at the heart of what the Fell Britain project is about.
Rock + Run - equipment
Rock and Run have been supplying equipment to mountain enthusiasts since 1983 from their base in Ambleside, Cumbria. Founded on the principle that the needs for technical equipment for mountaineers, climbers and runners was poorly catered for in the Lake District, they targeted their thoughts at their customers and the activities in the hills. Soon their slogan, which still exists today, was born:
“Specialist Equipment for Mountain Enthusiasts”
Rock + Run produce the Hipsac and its Superlite brother in Aviemore, making them a great choice of supplier to the Fell Britain project.
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