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  1. Swimmers in Lake Windermere at the Great North Swim
    Challenge Events

You are here: Home > What's On > Challenge Events

Challenge Events

Sure, you can come to the Lake District, Cumbria, for a walk on the fells or to enjoy our stunning landscapes – but here, we know how to test your competitive edge too.

Throughout the year, we host challenge events of all kinds: from sporting competitions to quirky contests. Whether you want to take part or simply spectate, there’s sure to be something for you.

How about taking part in the UK’s biggest open water swimming event, or completing a marathon in a UNESCO World Heritage Site? We’ve also got an ultra-challenging sportive, as well as walks on Morecambe Bay (always to be undertaken with a guide).

Discover our local traditions with time honoured Cumbrian sports. Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling can be seen at sports shows in the summer months, while there’s also ghyll scrambling and fell running to discover.

Fancy something even more quirky? There are plenty of weird and wonderful challenge events – from a competition to find the world’s biggest liar, to who can pull the best (and most distorted!) face.

It’s time to show your competitive side: discover challenge events in the Lake District, Cumbria, here.

Don't limit your challenges,  challenge  your limits

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Number of results: 15

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  1. A man being dragged along by his dog on a woodland trail,
    A man being dragged along by his dog on a woodland trail,
    Lakeland Paws canicross series

    Address

    Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TW

    Telephone

    017687 78469

    debs@greenspaceevents.com

    Braithwaite, Keswick

    The 25/26 series of canicross races has now launched!
    Held in England's only mountain forest, Dodd Wood & Grizedale Forest. The perfect location for you to enjoy stunning scenery and a fully marked course on forest roads and trails.

    This series…

    Venue

    Whinlatter Forest, Keswick

    Dates

    From:
    19 Oct 2025to10 May 2026Open 09:00 - 13:00

    Add Lakeland Paws canicross series to your Itinerary

    More Details
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  2. Lakeland 100 Recce Day
    Lakeland 100 Recce Day

    Address

    Vicarage Road, Leyland, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DH

    Telephone

    01257251217

    organiser@lakeland100.com

    Ambleside

    Recce run for the Lakeland 50 & 100 2026 between Ambleside & Coniston.

    Dates

    From:
    17 Jan 2026Open 16:00 - 21:00

    Add Lakeland 100 Recce Day to your Itinerary

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  3. Montane Grizedale Forest Trail 13 & 26
    Montane Grizedale Forest Trail 13 & 26

    Address

    Grizedale Visitor Centre, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0QJ

    Telephone

    01257251217

    info@epicevents.co.uk

    Ambleside

    The Montane Grizedale Trail 13 & 26 takes place from Grizedale Forest Visitor Centre, near Hawkshead in the Lake District. The route is 'undulating' but great trails and views of Coniston and surrounding areas. The event always fills in advance and…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Feb 2026Open 08:30 - 16:00

    Add Montane Grizedale Forest Trail 13 & 26 to your Itinerary

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  4. A group of people racing with head touchers on running at night
    A group of people racing with head touchers on running at night
    Whinlatter Moon Runner 10k head torch race

    Address

    Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TW

    Telephone

    0781 506 7284

    info@greenermilesrunning.co.uk

    Braithwaite, Keswick

    The feeling of a head torch trail run in the woods is unique. The night-time adds a whole new dimension to trail running: it is both wild and peaceful at the same time.

    Your senses become razor sharp and you become aware of your heartbeat pounding…

    Venue

    Whinlatter Forest, Keswick

    Dates

    From:
    14 Feb 2026Open 18:00 - 22:00

    Add Whinlatter Moon Runner 10k head torch race to your Itinerary

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  5. A man running along a rural road with a backdrop of mountains
    A man running along a rural road with a backdrop of mountains
    Haweswater Half Marathon

    Address

    Bampton Memorial Hall, Penrith, Bampton, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2RS

    Telephone

    07890987051

    haweswater@edenrunners.co.uk

    Bampton, Penrith

    A scenic road half marathon on quiet undulating roads passing along the shores of Haweswater in this dramatic Lake District valley.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Mar 2026Open 11:30 -

    Add Haweswater Half Marathon to your Itinerary

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  6. two runners smiling after completing a race
    two runners smiling after completing a race
    Coniston 14 road race

    Address

    John Ruskin School, Lake Road, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EW

    Telephone

    +447884490810

    janettemaude@hotmail.com

    Coniston

    Road Race around Coniston Water

    Dates

    From:
    21 Mar 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00

    Add Coniston 14 road race to your Itinerary

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  7. Lakeland 100 Recce Day
    Lakeland 100 Recce Day
    Lakeland 100 Recce Day

    Address

    Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens, Leyland, Penrith, Cumbria, PR26 7RX

    Telephone

    01257251217

    organiser@lakeland100.com

    Penrith

    Recce run for the Lakeland 100 2026 between Buttermere & Dalemain. This run is open to competitors and non-competitors.

    Venue

    Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens, Penrith

    Dates

    From:
    22 Mar 2026Open 07:00 - 17:30

    Add Lakeland 100 Recce Day to your Itinerary

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  8. Season Opener
    Season Opener

    Address

    Cartmel Racecourse, Cartmel Racecourse, The Racecourse, Cartmel, Cumbria, LA11 6QF

    Telephone

    015395 36340

    info@cartmel-racecourse.co.uk

    The Racecourse, Cartmel

    For an unforgettable fun-filled day out, Cartmel Races is hard to beat. Perfect for family, friends and celebrations, the combination of thrilling jump racing and a relaxed party atmosphere brings thousands of people back year after year. Join us…

    Venue

    Cartmel Racecourse, Cartmel

    Dates

    From:
    23 May 2026Open 10:00 - 19:00

    Add Season Opener to your Itinerary

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  9. A group of runners in a forest
    A group of runners in a forest
    Whinlatter Forest Half Marathon and 10K 2026

    Address

    Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TW

    Telephone

    017687 78469

    info@wilddeerevents.co.uk

    Braithwaite, Keswick

    ️ Conquer Whinlatter! – Trail Half Marathon & 10K – May 2026 ️
    Are you ready to take on one of the toughest and most scenic trail events in the Lake District?

    Join Wild Deer Events in May 2026 for the Whinlatter Trail Half Marathon & 10K, a…

    Venue

    Whinlatter Forest, Keswick

    Dates

    From:
    24 May 2026Open 09:50 - 15:00

    Add Whinlatter Forest Half Marathon and 10K 2026 to your Itinerary

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  10. Ultra-Trail Grizedale
    Ultra-Trail Grizedale
    Ultra-Trail Grizedale

    Address

    Bowkerstead Farm, Satherthwaite, Ulverston, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8LL

    Telephone

    +447495405725

    explore@lakota-expeditions.com

    Ulverston, Ulverston

    A trail running weekend with two unique races.

    Dates

    From:
    12 June 2026to14 June 2026Various Opening Times

    Add Ultra-Trail Grizedale to your Itinerary

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  11. Lakeland 100 Recce Day
    Lakeland 100 Recce Day
    Lakeland 100 Recce Day

    Address

    Pooley Bridge, Leyland, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA102NN

    Telephone

    01257251217

    organiser@lakeland100.com

    Pooley Bridge

    Recce run for the 2026 Lakeland 50 & 100 from Pooley Bridge to Ambleside. This run is only open for 2026 Lakeland competitors.

    Dates

    From:
    14 June 2026Open 07:00 - 20:00

    Add Lakeland 100 Recce Day to your Itinerary

    More Details
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  12. Montane Lakeland 50 & 100
    Montane Lakeland 50 & 100

    Address

    John Ruskin School, Lake Road, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EW

    Telephone

    01257251217

    organiser@lakeland100.com

    Coniston

    The Lakeland 100 'Ultra Tour of the Lake District' is the most spectacular long distance trail race which has ever taken place within the UK. The circular route encompasses the whole of the lakeland fells, includes in the region of 6300m of ascent…

    Dates

    From:
    24 July 2026to26 July 2026Open 09:00 - 23:50

    Add Montane Lakeland 50 & 100 to your Itinerary

    More Details
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  13. Maverick Lake District X-Trail
    Maverick Lake District X-Trail

    Address

    Stock Lane, Grasmere, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9SL

    Telephone

    07377 512801

    info@maverick-race.com

    Ambleside

    Come and give Trail running in the Lake District a try, with its rugged fells, stunning glacial ribbon lakes and market towns. 5 distances to choose from; 9km, 14km, 25km, 44km and 52km.

    Dates

    From:
    19 Sept 2026Open 07:00 - 20:00

    Add Maverick Lake District X-Trail to your Itinerary

    More Details
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  14. Altra 13 Valleys Ultra
    Altra 13 Valleys Ultra
    Altra 13 Valleys Ultra

    Address

    Theatre by the Lake, Theatre By The Lake, Lakeside, Lake Rd, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DJ

    Telephone

    07525732421

    info@13valleysultra.com

    Lake Rd, Keswick

    13 Valleys celebrates the 13 unique valleys of the Lake District National Park which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site status, by linking them all together. You can choose between one trail distance: 2 Valleys (22km) and three ultra…

    Dates

    From:
    25 Sept 2026to27 Sept 2026Various Opening Times

    Add Altra 13 Valleys Ultra to your Itinerary

    More Details
    More Details
  15. People running through the lake district
    People running through the lake district
    Lakes in a Day

    Address

    Rothay Park, Ambleside, 1 Vicarage Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DH

    Telephone

    +447743093033

    info@durtyevents.com

    Ambleside

    Lakes in a Day Half Distance Run
    23 miles, 850m ascent – Want the excitement of being part of Lakes in a Day but without so much of the navigation element or the high mountains? This half distance trail option takes you on a journey from the…

    Venue

    Rothay Park, Ambleside, Ambleside

    Dates

    From:
    10 Oct 2026Open 14:30 - 23:00

    Add Lakes in a Day to your Itinerary

    More Details
    More Details

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