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: 34
, currently showing 21 to 34.
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…
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…
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.
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
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…
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