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 21 to 39.
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,…
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
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
Glenridding
The Swim to Devils Chimney is another one of our favourite island-hopping adventures, this time on Ullswater. With it's 'Big Lake' exposure and dramatic views this exciting swim requires a good level of fitness… anything can happen on the way to…
Haverigg, Millom
7.2 miler , multi terrain, charity run event
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…
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,…
Derwentwater, Keswick
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…
Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass
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…
Borrans Park, Ambleside, Ambleside
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…
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…
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.
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…
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.
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.
Ulverston
Please join us for our Christmas 10K & 1 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…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL