Fell Running

Fell running, also known as mountain running and hill running, is the sport of running and racing, off road, over upland country where steep climbs and descents provide an extra challenge. The name, fell-running, arises from the origins of the sport on the fells of northern Britain, especially those in the Lake District. Fell runners should possess mountain navigational skills and carry adequate survival equipment as set out by the race organiser. Because the courses traverse mud, grass and rock, fell-running shoes need soles that grip well on all these surfaces. The uppers need to be strong and light with the ability to shed water and dry quickly.
Links:
A Beginner’s Guide to Fellrunning
Fell Runners' Association
British Open Fell Runners' Association

Trail Running

Trail running, a sport that is growing in popularity and is enjoyed throughout the world, differs markedly from road running and track running. Trail running generally takes place on hiking trails, footpaths, bridleways, canal towpaths, farm tracks and forest drives marked on maps as ‘public rights of way’. Trails are often inaccessible to motor vehicles and traverse varying terrain; hills, mountains, forests, and narrow passages are common. Steep inclines or rough terrain sometimes may require some walking or scrambling. Some trail runs ascend and descend thousands of feet. For trail running and trail races you need off-road shoes that are tough, light and hard wearing. Trail running shoes need soles that grip well on a variety of surfaces; the uppers should be light with the ability to shed water and dry quickly.
Links:
UK Trail Running Association
Trail Running

Orienteering

Orienteering is a running sport involving navigation with a map and compass. The traditional form involves cross-country running, though other forms have evolved. The competition is a timed race in which individual participants use a special purpose map and a compass to navigate through diverse terrain (often wooded) and visit, in sequence, control points that are indicated on the map. The course of control points is kept a secret from competitors before the start, when they are provided with a detailed topographic map on which the course is marked. Competitors start at staggered intervals, are individually timed, and are expected to perform all navigation skills on their own. Standings are determined first by successful completion of the course, then by shortest time on course. Rules and principles of the sport are defined by the International Orienteering Federation. Because of the nature of the terrain runners should wear fell or trail running shoes that provide good grip, shed water easily and dry quickly.
Links:
British Orienteering

Cross Country Races

Cross country running is a sport in which individuals and teams of runners compete to complete a course over open or rough terrain faster than other teams. The courses used at these events may include grass, mud, woodlands, and water. It is a popular participation sport, and usually takes place during the autumn and winter when soft conditions underfoot are common. Cross country runners usually wear cross-country spiked shoes or fell running shoes to maximise speed and stability.