Heather Ohly

International Mountain Leader

I live with my husband just outside the Lake District National Park in Northwest England. It’s a great location for mountain running and only an hour’s drive to the Scottish border. For most of the year, I work as a researcher in nutrition and sustainable food systems in low and middle-income countries. For me, running provides completely different challenges and welcome time away from the computer. I also love rock climbing. Like running, it’s a great way to travel and meet like-minded people.

To enjoy fell running in the UK you need to embrace rough terrain, steep hills, navigation and wild weather! There are hundreds of local races to choose from, but often I prefer to head out on my own or with a friend in search of quiet places.

It’s interesting spending time with people you’ve never met before, hearing their stories and discovering what it means to them. From a personal perspective, working as a mountain professional gives me a huge sense of pride and confidence. To be able to keep people safe and happy at the same time is very rewarding.