This Years Sports will be held on Saturday 20th August 2022. 

For recent newcomers and also visitors, here is some of our history. We hope to see you there? 

Burnsall, known as one of Yorkshire's prettiest villages, is renowned throughout the world for its Sports and most of  all for its Fell Race. The race is on record as the oldest Fell race but Games and Sports are reffered to in  Elizabethan times. In those days it would be very much an impromptu affair probably arranged for the benefit of the  children and women of the area.

The fell race was started after a discussion in the Red Lion and one local character Tom Young  is supposed to have run up naked. As many men would only have one suit in those  times the record of the later Lakeland races have references to runners running in the nude.

Burnsall's festivities are held to a cycle derived from the Feast of St Wilfred, the patron Saint of the lovely village church. The Sports occur on a different day each year according to an obscure and labrynthine convention - the first Saturday after the first Sunday after the 12th of August - so don't miss it!

These events bring some of the top athletes in Great Britain. In recent years we have had a number of foreign entries, and for many runners Burnsall is a permanent fixture in their running year. A squad of Ghurka soldiers once competed and they finished as a squad. Childrens races, side shows, pet shows and many other things of interest, are held during the day.

As the green is Open Space we cannot charge an entrance fee. The committee relies on volunteers to sell raffle tickets, run the tombola and the many other events necessary to raise funds, and on the generosity of visitors to support the various attractions. Any profit goes towards the upkeep of the Village Green, the Village Hall, the two Churches and any other Village community activity that needs support. A brass band plays all day. 

The Junior Fell Races start at 3:30pm. The Classic Fell Race starts at 4:30pm, and we aim to complete prize giving by around 5:30, although this depends on how things go! Please stay join us for the closing ceremonies, and there is often a gathering thereafter in the Red Lion!  

Things don't change quickly or without reason at Burnsall Sports, but we cannot think of a more constructive basis for change than the inclusion of a new generation.

We look forward to seeing you at this years Sports that are to be held on Saturday 20th August 2022.

Burnsall Feast Sports Committee