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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

Cartmel Race Days
Cartmel Race Days

For an unforgettable fun-filled day out, Cartmel Races is hard to beat. Perfect for family, friends…

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

Wasdale Wild Swimming Adventure – Experience wild swimming in Wasdale which offers adventurous…

Carlisle Youth Zone Raceday
Carlisle Youth Zone Raceday

Looking for a memorable family day out this summer? Join us at Carlisle Racecourse for an exciting…

Afternoon Jump Racing
Weatherby's Graduation Chase Raceday

PAY YOUR RESPECTS THROUGH RACING Falling close to Remembrance Day, our Afternoon Racing on…

Cartmel Racecourse
Cartmel Racecourse

Visit Cartmel Racecourse for our exciting 9 days of racing this 2026 season.

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

More Adventures in the Beautiful South is a 2-day swimming adventure in the beautiful South Lake…

Coniston 14
Coniston 14 road race

14 mile road race

Corporate Sports Day
St John's Hospice Corporate Sports Day

Gather your colleagues, form a team of 5, and prepare for a day of fun, friendly competition, and a…

Swimmer
Chillswim Windermere 11 Miles End to End

Long distance swimming isn't just about being in the water, it's about the journey. Swimming the…

Afternoon  Flat Racing
Amy O'Kane

Make the most of the final weeks of the summer holidays with a fantastic family day out at Carlisle…

Army Benevolent Fund Charity Raceday
Army Benevolent Fund Charity Raceday

Enjoy a Super Sunday at the Races Come and join us for what promises to be an exciting day of Jump…

Jump Season Opener
Jump Season Opener

THE JUMPS ARE BACK It's the moment that all Cumbrian racing fans have been waiting for. Come and…

Swimmers enjoying trips with Swim the Lakes
Tadpole Round Swim Hike

Discover the Tadpole Round Swim Hike—an unforgettable adventure at the heart of the Buttermere…

THE ROC England Scafell Pike
THE ROC England

Taking THE ROC's unique 5 stage triathlon format into the Lake District, one of the most inspiring…

Boomin Bingo kendal
Boomin Bingo

Get ready for a high-energy night of Boomin' Bingo – brought to you by PC Roadshows – where classic…

Maverick Lake District X-Trail
Maverick Lake District X-Trail

Come and give Trail running in the Lake District a try, with its rugged fells, stunning glacial…

Colin Parker Raceday
Colin Parker Raceday

Where Racing's Greats Take Centre Stage Join us for our feature Jumps meeting of the season,…

Father Christmas
Christmas Grotto

Father Christmas returns to Holker Hall this December! Meet Father Christmas and the Elves at…

Wild Swimmers in Rydal Water with Swim the Lakes
Rydal Island and Caves Swim

Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…

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

Join us for our summer 10K race and mile fun run. Starting on the road, between the clubhouse car…

Andersons Flat Season Finale
Andersons Flat Season Finale

Don't miss out on the grand finale of the Flat racing season at Carlisle Racecourse! Join us for an…

Swimmers in Buttermere with Swim the Lakes
Buttermere Swimble Wild Swim

The Buttermere Swimble – The Buttermere Valley is surely one of the most beautiful in the Lake…

Grasmere Sports
Grasmere Sports

Now one of the most popular traditional events in the English Lake District, participants compete…

Hoad Hill Harriers Christmas 10K Race & 1 Mile Fun Run
Hoad Hill Harriers Christmas 10K & 1 Mile Fun Run

Please join us for our Christmas 10K & 1 Mile Fun Run. Starting on the road, between the clubhouse…

PrevPrev
  • 1Cartmel Race Days
  • 2Wasdale Wild Swimming Adventure
  • 3Carlisle Youth Zone Raceday
  • 4Weatherby's Graduation Chase Raceday
  • 5Cartmel Racecourse
  • 6More Adventures in the Beautiful South
  • 7Coniston 14 road race
  • 8St John's Hospice Corporate Sports Day
  • 9Chillswim Windermere 11 Miles End to End
  • 10Amy O'Kane
  • 11Army Benevolent Fund Charity Raceday
  • 12Jump Season Opener
  • 13Tadpole Round Swim Hike
  • 14THE ROC England
  • 15Boomin Bingo
  • 16Maverick Lake District X-Trail
  • 17Colin Parker Raceday
  • 18Christmas Grotto
  • 19Rydal Island and Caves Swim
  • 20Hoad Hill Harriers Summer 10K Race & 1 Mile Fun Run
  • 21Andersons Flat Season Finale
  • 22Buttermere Swimble Wild Swim
  • 23Grasmere Sports
  • 24Hoad Hill Harriers Christmas 10K & 1 Mile Fun Run
NextNext

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