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

Number of results: 39
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Grasmere
A packed weekend celebrating off-road running. The festival aims to bring together trail runners, ultra runners fell runners and orienteers of all abilities in an iconic location to race, relax and enjoy. Great routes and camping available.
Glenridding
The Montane Ullswater Way Trail Ultra, 20 & 10 starts and finishes at Jenkins Field in Glenridding. The Ultra Distance follows the stunning Ullswater Way route and includes both the Lowther Loop and the Dalemain Loop to make the course 33.5 miles.…
11A New Road, Coniston
Epic Lakes Swim Coniston takes place at Monk Coniston, at the North end of the lake. You can choose either the 750m, 1500m, 3k or 5k distances, depending upon your age and ability. Coniston provides yet another fantastic venue, with stunning views…
Durdar Rd, Carlisle
Blow away the Monday blues...at the races!
Join for an afternoon of flat racing at Carlisle Racecourse - there is no better way to start the week!
Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle
Durdar Rd, Carlisle
STEAK NIGHT RACE NIGHT!
Steak and Racing! Is there a much better way to spend a Tuesday night?
Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle
Satherthwaite
A trail running weekend with two unique races.
Grasmere
Embark on a multi-day hiking adventure through the breathtaking Lake District. With every detail
- safety, food, water and entertainment - expertly taken care of, you can focus entirely on the
journey and the stunning landscapes around you.
Pooley Bridge
Recce run for the 2026 Lakeland 50 & 100 from Pooley Bridge to Ambleside. This run is only open for 2026 Lakeland competitors.
Coniston
Chillswim Coniston End to End Swim 2026 will take place on Saturday 20th June. Long distance swimming isn't just about being in the water, it's about the journey. Travelling the length of a lake from one end to the other gives the swim meaning. You…
Coniston
Chillswim Coniston End to End Swim 2026 will take place on Saturday 20th June. Long distance swimming isn't just about being in the water, it's about the journey. Travelling the length of a lake from one end to the other gives the swim meaning. You…
Durdar Rd, Carlisle
Be part of history at Carlisle Racecourse this summer as we host one of the most iconic fixtures in the racing calendar – The Carlisle Bell, the world's oldest sporting trophy, first contested in 1599.
This historic race is the centrepiece of a…
Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle
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. Over nine…
Cartmel Racecourse, Cartmel
Pooley Bridge
Epic Lakes Swim Ullswater takes place from Park Foot Holiday Park, near Pooley Bridge, which provides a stunning backdrop for the event. You can choose either the 750m, 1500m, 3k or 5k distances, depending upon your age and ability.
Pooley Bridge
Ullswater Epicman Triathlon is based at Park Foot Holiday Park. You can choose either the Sprint, Standard or Epicman Middle distance triathlon races. The event starts with a 1900m, 1500m or 750m swim in Ullswater, followed by an undulating 90k,…
Howtown, Penrith
With 4 race options and 3 distances in each to choose from, the event is ideal for both novice and experienced participants and we encourage you to take advantage of the camping facilities at Park Foot and stay for the weekend!
Pooley Bridge
Join our spectator cruise for the Ullswater Yacht Club's biggest event of the year, the Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy race. You're welcome to bring a picnic, and our onboard licensed bar will be open, so you can toast the celebrations in style. The…
Ullswater Steamers, Glenridding
Arnside
We are so excited to announce the return of the Cross Bay Half-Marathon on Saturday 4th July 2026. Do you have what it takes to beat the Bay?
This unique 13.1-mile route snakes from the start at Arnside Promenade, across Morecambe Bay, towards the…
Durdar Rd, Carlisle
NOW ON A SATURDAY!
Get your summer plans sorted and join us for an unforgettable evening at Carlisle Racecourse!
It's glamour, style, and racing at its finest – and it's not just off the track! Carlisle's Ladies Night is proud to feature the…
Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle
CARLISLE
Run, jog or walk a 3k, 5k or 10k Race for Life event.
Or if you fancy taking on a bit of mud, sign up for either a Pretty Muddy kids or Pretty Muddy adults event which are 5k and include 11 obstacles from climbing frames to mud pits.
Bitts Park, Cumbria
Barrow in Furness
Walney Wind Cheetahs in conjunction with ORSTED are hosting a 10km road race on the 5th of July 2026
There will also be a childrens' fun run
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