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: 22
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Thirlmere
APEX is the UK's foremost endurance hiking challenge, where a vibrant community of adventurers seeks to push their limits and conquer their own 'Everest'.
Participants will undertake the challenge of completing 9 single ascents of the beautiful…
Borrowdale, Keswick
Lake to Fell draws inspiration from Montbell's long-running 'SEA TO SUMMIT' event series in Japan. The first UK edition takes place in Borrowdale, in the Lake District, close to Montbell UK's home in Keswick.
The two-day event is centred around…
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…
Penrith
Leo Houlding will walk us through some of his recent amazing adventures like Climbing, exploring and enjoying all the world has to offer.
Newby Bridge
Saturday – Sprint races held on the River Leven at the Swan Hotel Marina – On the water 10-12.30 and then 14.00 – 16.00
This event will take place only in and around the marina.
Sunday – Distance Race from the Swan Hotel Marina to Storrs…
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.
Kendal
Gather your colleagues, form a team of 5, and prepare for a day of fun, friendly competition, and a trip down memory lane as we bring back all your favourite school sports day classics… with a competitive twist!
Grasmere
Swim and run through some of the Lake District's most iconic and varied terrain. Athletes traverse Coniston Water, Windermere, Rydal Water, and Grasmere, navigating technical trails, forest tracks, and open fell paths in a landscape shaped by water,…
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.
Durdar Rd, Carlisle
THE JUMPS ARE BACK
It's the moment that all Cumbrian racing fans have been waiting for. Come and enjoy the return of the Jumps at Carlisle Racecourse on 22 October.
It's a raceday that always promises a really competitive day of action with a…
Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle
Durdar Rd, Carlisle
Where Racing's Greats Take Centre Stage
Join us for our feature Jumps meeting of the season, headlined by the Colin Parker Memorial Chase. Run over two and a half miles, this Listed contest has gone from strength to strength over the past 16 years…
Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle
Durdar Rd, Carlisle
PAY YOUR RESPECTS THROUGH RACING
Falling close to Remembrance Day, our Afternoon Racing on Monday 9 November gives us a chance to pay our respects with an excellent day of Jumps action.
Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle
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…
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