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: 19
Brampton, Carlisle
10 Mile Road Running Race Starting at William Howard School and finishing on Eden Bridge in Carlisle. A fast point to point
Durdar Rd, Carlisle
AFTERNOON JUMP RACING
See out November in style and join us for a Tuesday afternoon of racing and a competitive seven-race card at Carlisle Racecourse.
We are proud to continue our partnership on this day with Hospice at Home Carlisle & North…
Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle
Durdar Rd, Carlisle
Enjoy a Super Sunday at the Races
Come and join us for what promises to be an exciting day of Jump racing, and see what Carlisle Racecourse is all about.
From views over to the Lake District to superstar jumpers galloping up the Carlisle hill to…
Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle
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…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The 26/27 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain forest, Dodd Wood & Grizedale Forest. The perfect location for you to enjoy stunning scenery and a fully marked course on forest roads and trails.
This series…
Whinlatter Forest, Keswick
Durdar Rd, Carlisle
Get into the festive spirit on our Christmas Jumper Raceday!
Join us on Sunday 13 December as we step into Christmas at Carlisle with a festive day filled with fun for the whole family!
Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle
Grizedale
Set within the spectacular landscape of the Lake District National Park, the Montane Grizedale Forest Trail Half & Full Marathon is one of the most scenic trail running events in the UK. Taking place in the stunning surroundings of Grizedale Forest,…
Bampton
Join us for the 25th Anniversary of the Haweswater Half Marathon. This rewarding out and back course on quiet undulating roads passes along the shores of Haweswater with incredible views in this Lake District valley.
A perfect race for those…
Coniston
14 mile road race
Sedbergh
The Howgills Trail Run route explores the rugged terrain of the Howgill Fells, taking runners along a mixture of natural trails, grassy slopes and high-level ridgelines.
From the start, the course quickly begins to climb, rewarding runners with…
Grasmere
Known as "The Daddy of them all", the Fred Whitton Challenge is widely regarded as the UK's toughest one-day cycling sportive. Covering 112 miles through the Lake District, riders face legendary climbs including Kirkstone, Honister, Hardknott and…
Glenridding
Ullswater Way Trail Run is a spectacular running event set in the heart of the Lake District National Park, offering runners the opportunity to explore one of the UK's most breathtaking landscapes.
Taking on sections of the famous Ullswater Way,…
Kendal
Discover England's finest countryside at your own pace with the Lake District Challenge!
Starting and finishing at our Kendal Basecamp, the 100km looped route takes you over challenging hills and Garburn Pass, through historic Ambleside and past…
Coniston
Epic Lakes Swim Coniston is a spectacular open water swimming event set in the breathtaking surroundings of Coniston Water in the Lake District National Park.
Known for its stunning mountain scenery and crystal-clear water, Coniston provides the…
Howtown, Penrith
Epic Lakes Swim Ullswater is a spectacular open water swimming event set in one of the most beautiful locations in the Lake District National Park.
Taking place in the crystal-clear waters of Ullswater, the event offers swimmers the opportunity to…
Howtown, Penrith
The is one of the most spectacular multi-sport events in the UK, taking place in the breathtaking surroundings of the Lake District National Park.
The event offers a range of race formats and distances to suit all abilities, including Sprint,…
AMBLESIDE
Epic Lakes Swim Windermere welcomes swimmers of all abilities, from experienced open water athletes looking for a new endurance challenge to those taking part in their first Lake District open water swim.
Borrans Park, Ambleside, Ambleside
Cartmel
Trail run of 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 bustling Lake District…
Cartmel
An Ultra Run of 50 miles, 4000m ascent – a challenging mountain journey on foot from the very top of the Lake District at Caldbeck to the very bottom, at Cartmel, via the stunning Helvellyn Ridge and the western shoreline of Lake Windermere. It…
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