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  1. Traditional Lakeland Sports
    Traditional Sports

You are here: Home > What's On > Challenge Events > Traditional Sports

Traditional Sports

From horse leaping and pipe-smoking to open-air wrestling and sheep shows, the choice of peculiar sports is remarkable – and in some cases, very old: the Egremont Crab Fair has been running since 1267, while the sport of hound trailing began in the middle of the 18th century. Test your fell running fitness at the annual Grasmere Gallop, or try some ghyll scrambling. Get down and dirty with a bout of Cumberland and Westmoreland wrestling, held at local shows throughout the summer months. Most of Cumbria’s traditional sports are rooted firmly in the countryside, and are designed to celebrate the changing seasons and a host of agricultural pursuits. Although that doesn’t explain why there should be a competition to crown the world’s biggest liar or who can pull the best face…
 

Highlights

ladies running
Keswick Half Marathon

Keswick Half Marathon is said to be one of the most scenic half marathon routes in the country. The…

Ultra runner celebrating crossing the finish line
Altra 13 Valleys Ultra

In partnership with the Lake District National Park. 4 distances to choose from. An epic adventure…

Force Crag Mine Open Day for the Festival of Archaeology
Force Crag Mine Open Day for the Festival of Archaeology

A rusty 'tin shed' beside a dramatic waterfall in a remote valley just outside Keswick – this…

Lakes in a Day
Lakes in a Day

Lakes in a Day 2025 (Saturday 11th October) 50 miles, 4000m ascent – a journey on foot from the…

two runners smiling after completing a race
Coniston 14 road race

Road Race around Coniston Water

Rawlinson 350 Exhibition
Rawlinson 350 Exhibition

Explore the founding of the school library by ex-pupil, Daniel Rawlinson 350 years ago! For the…

Logo for the Maverick Lakes Osprey 2025
Maverick Lakes Osprey 2025

Maverick Race heads north for our 4th year, to bring you a trail running adventure in the stunning…

Isaac's Tea Trail Ultra Marathon by Greener Miles Running LTD
Isaac's Tea Trail Ultra Marathon by Greener Miles Running LTD

Come and join us on this epic journey through some of the most dramatic countryside in the UK. The…

Force Crag Mine Heritage Open Day
Force Crag Mine Heritage Open Day

A rusty 'tin shed' beside a dramatic waterfall in a remote valley just outside Keswick – this…

Bell Tower Open Days
Bell Tower Open Days

Take a tour of the Cathedral as you have never seen it before and find out more about our ring of…

Guided tour of the Roman fort at Maryport
Guided tour of the Roman fort at Maryport

Visitors to the museum can join one of our knowledgeable volunteers for a guided tour around the…

Female fell runner running up a mountain in the lake district Cumbria
THE ROC ENGLAND

112km and 3,209ft elevation with a total ascent of 6,916ft A totally unique Triathlon race from…

Cross Border Sportive
Cross Border Sportive

An inclusive cycling challenge event with 3 routes to choose from - 30, 50 or 80 miles.

Photo of Alfred Wainwright atop a Cumbrian fell
Alfred Wainwright Exhibition

Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the life and legacy of Alfred Wainwright at The Armitt…

Medieval reenactment battle, two armies fighting each other with swords and shields.
Medieval Reenactment at Greystoke Castle, Penrith

Medieval Greystoke - 19 and 20 July 2025 Greystoke Castle, Greystoke, Penrith, Cumbria CA11…

PrevPrev
  • 1Keswick Half Marathon
  • 2Altra 13 Valleys Ultra
  • 3Force Crag Mine Open Day for the Festival of Archaeology
  • 4Lakes in a Day
  • 5Coniston 14 road race
  • 6Rawlinson 350 Exhibition
  • 7Maverick Lakes Osprey 2025
  • 8Isaac's Tea Trail Ultra Marathon by Greener Miles Running LTD
  • 9Force Crag Mine Heritage Open Day
  • 10Bell Tower Open Days
  • 11Guided tour of the Roman fort at Maryport
  • 12THE ROC ENGLAND
  • 13Cross Border Sportive
  • 14Alfred Wainwright Exhibition
  • 15Medieval Reenactment at Greystoke Castle, Penrith
NextNext

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