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: 26
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Durdar Rd, Carlisle
Make the most of the final weeks of the summer holidays with a fantastic family day out at Carlisle Racecourse. Enjoy the excitement of live racing alongside plenty of family-friendly entertainment in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere – and yes, even…
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
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…
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…
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…
Thirlmere
APEX is the UK's foremost endurance hiking challenge, where a vibrant community of adventurers seeks to push their limits and conquer their own 'Everest'.
Participants will undertake the challenge of completing 9 single ascents of the beautiful…
Durdar Rd, Carlisle
Don't miss out on the grand finale of the Flat racing season at Carlisle Racecourse! Join us for an exhilarating day packed with top-class racing action, thrilling finishes, and the electric atmosphere that only the final fixture of the year can…
Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle
Borrowdale, Keswick
Lake to Fell draws inspiration from Montbell's long-running 'SEA TO SUMMIT' event series in Japan. The first UK edition takes place in Borrowdale, in the Lake District, close to Montbell UK's home in Keswick.
The two-day event is centred around…
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.
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…
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
Acorn Bank, Penrith
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…
Penrith
Leo Houlding will walk us through some of his recent amazing adventures like Climbing, exploring and enjoying all the world has to offer.
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.
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!
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…
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…
Rothay Park, Ambleside, Ambleside
Grasmere
The Cumbrian Cracker is one of the original Lakeland cycle sportives, with Grasmere Village hosting the start, finish and Race HQ. For the 2025 edition we retain the 100 mile option together with the original 60 mile route.
Durdar Rd, Carlisle
THE JUMPS ARE BACK
It's the moment that all Cumbrian racing fans have been waiting for. Come and enjoy the return of the Jumps at Carlisle Racecourse on 22 October.
It's a raceday that always promises a really competitive day of action with a…
Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle
Durdar Rd, Carlisle
Where Racing's Greats Take Centre Stage
Join us for our feature Jumps meeting of the season, headlined by the Colin Parker Memorial Chase. Run over two and a half miles, this Listed contest has gone from strength to strength over the past 16 years…
Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle
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