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.
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
Durdar Rd, Carlisle
Big Days Out Start Here, Summer Racing at Carlisle!
Looking for a memorable day out for the whole family during the summer holidays? Carlisle Racecourse offers the perfect mix of live racing and family-friendly fun, even the family dog is welcome!
Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle
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…
Rusland, Ulverston
A traditional Lakeland show, now in its 141st year, in a beautiful valley in the South Lakes. Fell running, track racing, flowers, vegetables, home produce and crafts. Children's competitions and races you can enter on the day, dog show, fancy…
Durdar Rd, Carlisle
Looking for a memorable family day out this summer? Join us at Carlisle Racecourse for an exciting mix of live Flat racing and family-friendly fun with something for everyone, including your four-legged friends!
FREE Entertainment:
Jungle Run…
Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle
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…
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
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…
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
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.
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