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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: 39

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  1. running logo
    running logo
    Lake District Running Festival

    Address

    Grasmere Show Field, Stock Lane, Grasmere, Cumbria, LA22 9SJ

    Telephone

    01524287287

    support@lakedistrictrunningfestival.com

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    29 May 2026to31 May 2026Various Opening Times

    Add Lake District Running Festival to your Itinerary

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  2. Runners
    Runners
    Montane Ullswater Way Trail Ultra, 20 & 10

    Address

    Jenkins Field, Glenridding, Cumbria, CA11 0US

    Telephone

    01257 251217

    info@epicevents.co.uk

    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.…

    Dates

    From:
    31 May 2026Open 08:00 - 17:00

    Add Montane Ullswater Way Trail Ultra, 20 & 10 to your Itinerary

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  3. Swimmers
    Swimmers
    Epic Lakes Swim Coniston

    Address

    Monk Car Park, kirkby lonsdale, 11A New Road, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EH

    Telephone

    01257 251217

    info@epicevents.co.uk

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    7 June 2026Open 07:00 - 17:00

    Add Epic Lakes Swim Coniston to your Itinerary

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  4. Monday Afternoon Flat Racing
    Monday Afternoon Flat Racing
    Monday Afternoon Racing

    Address

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

    Telephone

    0344 579 3002

    amy.okane@thejockeyclub.co.uk

    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!

    Venue

    Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle

    Dates

    From:
    8 June 2026Open 12:50 - 18:30

    Add Monday Afternoon Racing to your Itinerary

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  5. Steak Night Race Evening
    Steak Night Race Evening
    Steak Night Race Evening

    Address

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

    Telephone

    0344 579 3002

    amy.okane@thejockeyclub.co.uk

    Durdar Rd, Carlisle

    STEAK NIGHT RACE NIGHT!
    Steak and Racing! Is there a much better way to spend a Tuesday night?

    Venue

    Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle

    Dates

    From:
    9 June 2026Open 16:40 - 21:40

    Add Steak Night Race Evening to your Itinerary

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  6. Ultra-Trail Grizedale
    Ultra-Trail Grizedale
    Ultra-Trail Grizedale

    Address

    Grizedale Campsite, Bowkerstead Farm, Satherthwaite, Cumbria, LA12 8LL

    Telephone

    +447495405725

    explore@lakota-expeditions.com

    Satherthwaite

    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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  7. HIGHLANDER Lake District
    HIGHLANDER Lake District
    HIGHLANDER Lake District

    Address

    Tweedies Bar & Lodge Grasmere, Red Bank Rd, Grasmere, Cumbria, LA22 9SW

    Telephone

    07595648960

    uk@highlanderadventure.com

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    12 June 2026to14 June 2026Various Opening Times

    Add HIGHLANDER Lake District to your Itinerary

    More Details
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  8. 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

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  9. Swimmer
    Swimmer
    Chillswim Coniston 5.25 Miles End to End

    Address

    Coniston, Cumbria, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EH

    Telephone

    01257 251217

    info@chillswim.com

    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…

    Dates

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

    Add Chillswim Coniston 5.25 Miles End to End to your Itinerary

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  10. Swimmer
    Swimmer
    Chillswim Coniston 5.25 Miles End to End

    Address

    Coniston, Cumbria, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EH

    Telephone

    01257 251217

    info@chillswim.com

    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…

    Dates

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

    Add Chillswim Coniston 5.25 Miles End to End to your Itinerary

    More Details
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  11. Carlisle Bell and Cumberland Plate Day
    Carlisle Bell and Cumberland Plate Day
    Carlisle Bell and Cumberland Plate Day

    Address

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

    Telephone

    0344 579 3002

    amy.okane@thejockeyclub.co.uk

    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…

    Venue

    Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle

    Dates

    From:
    24 June 2026Open 12:30 - 18:00

    Add Carlisle Bell and Cumberland Plate Day to your Itinerary

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  12. 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:
    26 June 2026Various Opening Times
    From:
    28 June 2026Various Opening Times
    From:
    18 July 2026Various Opening Times
    From:
    20 July 2026Various Opening Times
    From:
    29 Aug 2026Various Opening Times
    From:
    31 Aug 2026Various Opening Times

    Add Cartmel Race Days to your Itinerary

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  13. Women Entering Ullswater
    Women Entering Ullswater
    Epic Lakes Swim Ullswater

    Address

    Park Foot Holiday Park, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA10 2NA

    Telephone

    01257 251217

    info@epicevents.co.uk

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    27 June 2026Open 07:00 - 17:00

    Add Epic Lakes Swim Ullswater to your Itinerary

    More Details
    More Details
  14. Man smiling at camera on bike
    Man smiling at camera on bike
    Ullswater Epicman Triathlon & Multisport

    Address

    Park Foot Holiday Park, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA10 2NA

    Telephone

    01257 251217

    info@epicevents.co.uk

    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,…

    Dates

    From:
    28 June 2026Open 07:00 - 17:00

    Add Ullswater Epicman Triathlon & Multisport to your Itinerary

    More Details
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  15. CYCLIST
    CYCLIST
    Ullswater Epicman Triathlon & Multisport

    Address

    Park Foot Holiday Park, Park Foot Holiday Park, Howtown, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2NA

    Telephone

    01257 251217

    info@epicevents.co.uk

    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!

    Dates

    From:
    28 June 2026Open 07:00 - 17:00

    Add Ullswater Epicman Triathlon & Multisport to your Itinerary

    More Details
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  16. Sailing boats racing on Ullswater
    Sailing boats racing on Ullswater
    Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy Spectators' Cruise

    Address

    Ullswater Steamers, Pooley Bridge Pier House, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA10 2NN

    Telephone

    01768482229

    enquiries@ullswater-steamers.co.uk

    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…

    Venue

    Ullswater Steamers, Glenridding

    Dates

    From:
    4 July 2026Open 12:00 - 15:00

    Add Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy Spectators' Cruise to your Itinerary

    More Details
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  17. Cross Bay Half-Marathon
    Cross Bay Half-Marathon
    Cross Bay Half-Marathon

    Address

    Arnside Promenade, Arnside, Arnside, Lancashire, LA5 0AD

    Telephone

    01524 381820

    fundraising@cancercare.org.uk

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    4 July 2026Open 09:00 -

    Add Cross Bay Half-Marathon to your Itinerary

    More Details
    More Details
  18. Caledonia Park Ladies Night
    Caledonia Park Ladies Night
    Caledonia Park Ladies Night

    Address

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

    Telephone

    0344 579 3002

    amy.okane@thejockeyclub.co.uk

    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…

    Venue

    Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle

    Dates

    From:
    4 July 2026Open 16:00 - 23:00

    Add Caledonia Park Ladies Night to your Itinerary

    More Details
    More Details
  19. race for life image
    race for life image
    Carlisle Race for Life and Pretty Muddy

    Address

    Bitts Park, Dacre Street, CARLISLE, Cumbria, CA3 8UZ

    Telephone

    0300 123 0770

    supporter.services@cancer.org.uk

    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.

    Venue

    Bitts Park, Cumbria

    Dates

    From:
    5 July 2026Open 10:00 - 13:30
    More Details
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  20. The image identifies the route of the road race
    The image identifies the route of the road race
    Walney Wind Cheetahs 10k race "Run the Wind"

    Address

    Walney Island Biggar bank road, Barrow In Furness, Barrow in Furness, Cumbria, LA14 3YF

    Telephone

    07709962321

    contactus@walneywindcheetahs.co.cuk

    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

    Dates

    From:
    5 July 2026Open 08:30 - 13:00

    Add Walney Wind Cheetahs 10k race  "Run the Wind" to your Itinerary

    More Details
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