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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: 24

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  1. Festival of Running Poster
    Festival of Running Poster
    Festival of Running

    Address

    Workington Cricket Club, The Cloffocks, Workington, Cumbria, CA14 3YH

    Telephone

    07743984095

    info@everyonehere.org

    Workington

    The Festival of Running is a community-focused sporting event designed to promote health, wellbeing and local engagement. The event combines competitive races with family-friendly activities, entertainment and refreshments, creating an inclusive and…

    Dates

    From:
    2 Aug 2026Open 08:00 - 16:00

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  2. Runners in fancy dress running past Muncaster Castle as part of Race The Tide.
    Runners in fancy dress running past Muncaster Castle as part of Race The Tide.
    Race the Tide

    Address

    Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1RQ

    Telephone

    01229717614

    info@racethetide.com

    Ravenglass

    Will you race the tide this August 7–9 2026?​
    Race the Tide challenges runners of all levels to tackle a one-of-a-kind 10km obstacle race in the Lake District. The spectacular course navigates wild, natural terrain where participants crawl through…

    Venue

    Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass

    Dates

    From:
    7 Aug 2026to9 Aug 2026Various Opening Times

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  3. Group Smiling getting into Windermere
    Group Smiling getting into Windermere
    Epic Lakes Swim Windermere

    Address

    Borrans Park, Ambleside, Borrans Road, AMBLESIDE, Cumbria, LA22 0EN

    Telephone

    01257 251217

    info@epicevents.co.uk

    AMBLESIDE

    Epic Lakes Swim Windermere is the final event of the Epic Lakes Open Water Swim Series and takes place from Borrans Park, Waterhead. You can choose either the 750m, 1500m, 3k or 5k distances, depending upon your age and ability. Bring the family and…

    Venue

    Borrans Park, Ambleside, Ambleside

    Dates

    From:
    9 Aug 2026Open 07:00 - 17:00

    Add Epic Lakes Swim Windermere to your Itinerary

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  4. Afternoon Flat Racing
    Afternoon Flat Racing
    Afternoon Flat Racing

    Address

    Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle Racecourse, Durdar Rd, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA2 4TS

    Telephone

    0344 579 3002

    amy.okane@thejockeyclub.co.uk

    Durdar Rd, Carlisle

    Big Days Out Start Here, Summer Racing at Carlisle!

    Looking for a memorable day out for the whole family during the summer holidays? Carlisle Racecourse offers the perfect mix of live racing and family-friendly fun, even the family dog is welcome!

    Venue

    Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle

    Dates

    From:
    11 Aug 2026Open 13:10 - 18:10

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  5. wild swimmers with Swim the Lakes sat on the edge of a Lake District tarn
    wild swimmers with Swim the Lakes sat on the edge of a Lake District tarn
    More Adventures in the Beautiful South

    Address

    Brathay Hall, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0HP.

    Telephone

    015394 33826

    swim@swimthelakes.co.uk

    Ambleside

    More Adventures in the Beautiful South is a 2-day swimming adventure in the beautiful South Lake District. We draw on our extensive knowledge of hidden wild swimming locations to bring you more of what you love: Relaxed and enjoyable swimming in…

    Dates

    From:
    12 Aug 2026to14 Aug 2026Various Opening Times

    Add More Adventures in the Beautiful South to your Itinerary

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  6. Start of Junior Fell Race
    Start of Junior Fell Race
    Rusland Show

    Address

    Rusland Show, Whitestock Meadow, Rusland, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8LB

    Telephone

    07759368997

    ruslandshowinfo@gmail.com

    Rusland, Ulverston

    A traditional Lakeland show, now in its 141st year, in a beautiful valley in the South Lakes. Fell running, track racing, flowers, vegetables, home produce and crafts. Children's competitions and races you can enter on the day, dog show, fancy…

    Dates

    From:
    15 Aug 2026Open 12:20 - 17:00

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  7. Hoad Hill Harriers Summer 10K and 1 Mile Fun Run
    Hoad Hill Harriers Summer 10K and 1 Mile Fun Run
    Hoad Hill Harriers Summer 10K Race & 1 Mile Fun Run

    Address

    Ulverston Park Sports Club, Pulman Road, Off North Lonsdale Road, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 9DR

    Telephone

    07739324267

    ljbayliff@icloud.com

    Off North Lonsdale Road, Ulverston

    Join us for our summer 10K race and mile fun run. Starting on the road, between the clubhouse car park and The Bay Horse Restaurant, this is a flat, fast PB course, weaving through Ulverston and down towards the coast road. It enters the bottom…

    Dates

    From:
    19 Aug 2026Various Opening Times

    Add Hoad Hill Harriers Summer 10K Race & 1 Mile Fun Run to your Itinerary

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  8. Swimmers in Derwentwater with Swim the Lakes
    Swimmers in Derwentwater with Swim the Lakes
    Derwentwater Island Hop Swim

    Address

    Derwentwater, -, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UP

    Telephone

    015394 33826

    swim@swimthelakes.co.uk

    Keswick

    We indulge our obsession with swimming around islands on the Derwentwater Island Hop, and there is no better place in the Lake District to do it. This is one of our swim guides' favourite swim; it's a real adventure, has amazing North Lakes views,…

    Venue

    Derwentwater, Keswick

    Dates

    From:
    20 Aug 2026Various Opening Times

    Add Derwentwater Island Hop Swim to your Itinerary

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  9. Cartmel Race Days
    Cartmel Race Days

    Address

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

    Telephone

    01539536340

    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. Over nine…

    Venue

    Cartmel Racecourse, Cartmel

    Dates

    From:
    29 Aug 2026Various Opening Times
    From:
    31 Aug 2026Various Opening Times

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  10. Grasmere Sports
    Grasmere Sports
    Grasmere Sports

    Address

    Grasmere Sports Field, Stock Lane, Grasmere, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9SJ

    Telephone

    +447840059561

    chair@grasmeresports.com

    Grasmere, Ambleside

    Now one of the most popular traditional events in the English Lake District, participants compete in a variety of sports, including Cumberland & Westmorland Wrestling, Fell Running, Tug of War, Paragliding, a Dog Show, and Hound Racing.

    The annual…

    Dates

    From:
    30 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00

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  11. THE ROC England Scafell Pike
    THE ROC England Scafell Pike
    THE ROC England

    Address

    YMCA Lakeside, Newby Bridge, Alverston, Cumbria, LA12 8BD

    Telephone

    01758 710011

    info@theroc.com

    Alverston

    Taking THE ROC's unique 5 stage triathlon format into the Lake District, one of the most inspiring locations in Europe. From the swim in Windermere, the bike past the iconic Coniston Water and the run to the summit of England's highest mountain and…

    Dates

    From:
    5 Sept 2026Open 07:30 - 18:00

    Add THE ROC England to your Itinerary

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  12. Swimmer
    Swimmer
    Chillswim Windermere 11 Miles End to End

    Address

    Fell Foot, National Trust - Fell Foot, Newby Bridge, Cumbria, LA12 8NN

    Telephone

    01257 251217

    info@chillswim.com

    Newby Bridge

    Long distance swimming isn't just about being in the water, it's about the journey. Swimming the length of the most iconic and longest lake in the country from one end to the other guarantees legendary status with the knowledge that the highly…

    Dates

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

    Add Chillswim Windermere 11 Miles End to End to your Itinerary

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  13. Glorious Gravel Logo
    Glorious Gravel Logo
    Lake District Gravel Epic

    Address

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

    Telephone

    07540888895

    hello@gloriousgravel.com

    Coniston

    We have three route options for this glorious off road adventure around Coniston and the Grizedale Forest taking in a great mix of challenging climbs and fast, flowing sections through the forest.

    Dates

    From:
    12 Sept 2026Open 07:00 - 17:00

    Add Lake District Gravel Epic to your Itinerary

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  14. A running bottle
    A running bottle
    Taste the Lakes

    Address

    Greystoke Castle, Greystoke, Cumbria, CA11 0TG

    Telephone

    07414 541820

    tastethelakes@macmyday.org

    Greystoke

    Taste the Lakes is not your average half marathon. Set across Greystoke Castle's private parkland and Greystoke Forest - normally closed to the public - this is 13.2 miles of breathtaking Cumbrian trail with a delicious twist.

    At every mile, a…

    Dates

    From:
    13 Sept 2026Various Opening Times

    Add Taste the Lakes to your Itinerary

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  15. Acorn Bank 10k
    Acorn Bank 10k
    Acorn Bank 10k race

    Address

    Acorn Bank, Temple Sowerby, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 1SP

    Telephone

    07776 296726

    hello@edenrunners.co.uk

    Penrith

    A 10k road race for all abilities, on quiet country lanes, with start & finish within the beautiful grounds of Acorn Bank National Trust property in the Eden Valley

    Venue

    Acorn Bank, Penrith

    Dates

    From:
    13 Sept 2026Open 10:00 -

    Add Acorn Bank 10k race to your Itinerary

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  16. wild swimmers in the Lake District with Swim the Lakes
    wild swimmers in the Lake District with Swim the Lakes
    Wasdale Wild Swimming Adventure

    Address

    Wasdale Hall YHA Hostel, Wasdale, Cumbria, CA20 1ET

    Telephone

    015394 33826

    swim@swimthelakes.co.uk

    Wasdale

    Wasdale Wild Swimming Adventure – Experience wild swimming in Wasdale which offers adventurous swims in pure, clear water. Known as the birthplace of British rock climbing and home to Wastwater, the most dramatic lake in England. Wastwater is…

    Dates

    From:
    16 Sept 2026to18 Sept 2026Various Opening Times

    Add Wasdale Wild Swimming Adventure to your Itinerary

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  17. An Evening with Leo Houlding and Community Action Nepal.
    An Evening with Leo Houlding and Community Action Nepal.
    An Evening with Leo Houlding and Community Action Nepal.

    Address

    Rheged, Redhills, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0DQ

    Telephone

    01768 868000

    enquiries@rheged.com

    Penrith

    Leo Houlding will walk us through some of his recent amazing adventures like Climbing, exploring and enjoying all the world has to offer.

    Dates

    From:
    18 Sept 2026Open 19:30 - 21:50

    Add An Evening with Leo Houlding and Community Action Nepal. to your Itinerary

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  18. 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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  19. Corporate Sports Day
    Corporate Sports Day
    St John's Hospice Corporate Sports Day

    Address

    Kendal Leisure Centre, Burton Road, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 7HX

    Telephone

    01524 551773

    fundraising@sjhospice.org.uk

    Kendal

    Gather your colleagues, form a team of 5, and prepare for a day of fun, friendly competition, and a trip down memory lane as we bring back all your favourite school sports day classics… with a competitive twist!

    Dates

    From:
    20 Sept 2026Open 10:30 - 14:00

    Add St John's Hospice Corporate Sports Day to your Itinerary

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  20. 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

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