Meet the team that make it all happen…
The Fells team have miles of hikes and years of experience under their belts and want to make sure you have loads of fun while competing.
They are a sub-team of the Blacktoft Beacon District Programme Team, who are dedicated to running both the Fells Marathon and Wolds Challenge.
Members of the Team:
Event Lead - Josh
The Event Lead has overall responsibility for the planning and delivery of the event, working with the wider event team to make sure everything is organised, safe and ready to run. They coordinate the key areas of the event, support role leads, running planning meetings, and ensure actions are followed through.
During the event, the Event Lead works closely with Event Control, the Deputy Event Lead and the wider volunteer team to help manage any issues, make key decisions where needed, and keep the event running safely and smoothly.
Deputy Event Lead - Rachael
The Deputy Event Lead supports the Event Lead with the planning and delivery of the event, helping to coordinate key areas and making sure actions are followed through. They work closely with role leads and the wider volunteer team to help keep planning on track and ensure the event is ready to run safely and effectively.
During the event, the Deputy Event Lead supports Event Control and the Event Lead, helping to manage issues, share information and make decisions where needed. They may also step in for the Event Lead when required, helping to keep the event running smoothly and safely.
Event Controller - Gary
The Event Controller is based in Event Control and acts as the central hub for event communications. They manage radio traffic, keep track of where teams and volunteers are, and ensure key information is recorded clearly throughout the event.
During the event, the Event Controller logs team times, passes messages between checkpoint teams and event staff, and helps maintain an accurate picture of what is happening across the route. This role is key to keeping the event organised, informed and running safely.
Deputy Event Controller - Helen
The Deputy Event Controller supports Event Control by backing up radio communications and cross-checking key information recorded by the Event Controller. They keep a simpler overview log of team and volunteer locations, helping to maintain a clear picture of what is happening across the event.
They are also the main contact for the Fells hotline, supporting teams or volunteers who need help, advice or to report an issue. This role helps keep communication clear, accurate and calm when information is coming in from different places.
Admin Manager - Claire
The Admin Manager supports the event by overseeing the key administrative processes before and during the event. They help make sure bookings, team information, paperwork and key records are organised, accurate and available to the right people when needed.
During the event, the Admin Manager supports check-in, helps resolve admin queries, and works with Event Control and the wider team to ensure information is recorded and shared clearly. This role is key to keeping the behind-the-scenes organisation running smoothly.
Route & Map Controller - Allen
The Route Planning & Map Controller is responsible for developing suitable event routes and ensuring they are appropriate, safe and achievable for the teams taking part. They help identify checkpoints, route options, key risks, map requirements and any important information needed for the event plan.
They also oversee the map check process before teams start, making sure routes have been marked correctly and that any concerns are raised with the Event Lead or Event Control. This role helps ensure teams set off with a clear, safe and well-planned route.
Overnight Site Team
The Overnight Site Team manages the overnight location for Fells Marathon, making sure it is ready, safe and organised before teams arrive. They help set up the site, manage team arrivals, support supervision arrangements and ensure the overnight area runs in line with the event plan.
During the evening and following morning, the team helps monitor the site, support teams where needed, and keep Event Control updated with any issues or concerns. This role is key to making sure the overnight stop is safe, calm and well managed.
Checkpoint Manager- Vacant
The Checkpoint Manager coordinates the checkpoint teams before and during the event, making sure volunteers are allocated, briefed and ready to support teams on the route. They ensure checkpoint paperwork is prepared, radio processes are understood, and volunteers know what to do if a team needs support, is delayed or drops out.
During the event, the Checkpoint Manager works closely with Event Control, visiting checkpoints where needed to support volunteers and check that event processes and safety standards are being followed. This role helps keep the checkpoint network organised, consistent and running smoothly.
Sweep Team Manager - Claire
The Sweep Team Manager coordinates the sweep teams before and during the event, helping to make sure each route has the right support in place. They work with the route planning team, Event Lead and Event Control to understand the route, allocate sweep volunteers and ensure teams are briefed on their role.
During the event, the Sweep Team Manager keeps oversight of the sweep teams, supports communication with Event Control and helps ensure teams are moving safely around the route. This role is key to providing reassurance, support and safety cover across the event.
Kit Check Controller - Paul
The Kit Check Controller oversees the kit check process before teams start the event, making sure checks are organised, consistent and completed in line with the event requirements. They coordinate the kit check volunteers, ensure the correct information is available, and help identify any missing or unsuitable kit before teams set off.
They work closely with the Event Lead, Admin Team and Event Control to raise any concerns and ensure teams are only allowed to start once the required kit standards have been met. This role helps keep the event safe, fair and properly prepared from the very beginning.
Response Team Manager - Josh
The Response Team Manager coordinates the response teams before and during the event, making sure suitable volunteers are allocated, briefed and ready to support the event when needed. They work with the Event Lead, Event Control and wider team to understand the route, access points and likely areas where support may be required.
During the event, the Response Team Manager helps oversee response team activity, supports communication with Event Control, and ensures teams are deployed appropriately to assist with welfare, safety or operational issues. This role is key to helping the event respond quickly, calmly and effectively when support is needed.
First Aider- Phil
The First Aider supports the event by providing first aid cover for young people, volunteers and event staff if needed. They work with Event Control and the wider team to respond to injuries, illness or welfare concerns, helping make sure anyone who needs support is looked after calmly and appropriately.
Widely recognised, mostly by control as the best first aider in the world, they bring confidence, calm and just the right amount of heroic energy to the role. This role is important for keeping the event safe, reassuring and well supported from start to finish.
Support Bus - Dave and Harvey
The Support Bus provides flexible transport support during the event, helping move people and equipment where needed. They work closely with Event Control, following instructions and helping support the smooth running of the event across the route and event base.
During the event, the Support Bus may help collect teams, support young people who have dropped out, move volunteers, or respond to other transport needs as they arise. This role is key to keeping the event practical, flexible and able to respond when plans change.
Centre Manager- Vacant
The Centre Manager looks after the event base, making sure the building is open, organised and ready for the teams and volunteers using it. They help manage rooms, parking, refreshments, venue information and the general running of the centre throughout the event.
During the event, the Centre Manager works with the Event Lead, Event Control, Staff Catering Lead and other volunteers to keep the centre safe, tidy and running smoothly. This role is key to making sure the event has a calm, practical and well-managed base behind the scenes.
Which specific members of the Team are taking on which roles can slightly vary year on year, so you can find out who is taking on each role for each event, at the bottom of the Risk Assessment for that event.
There are so many more roles that help this event run, sorry to any one we have missed you will be added shortly.
