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  1. Swimmers in Lake Windermere at the Great North Swim
    Challenge Events

You are here: Home > What's On > Challenge Events

Challenge Events

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

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Number of results: 29

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  1. Massive video wall, great sound and lights
    Massive video wall, great sound and lights
    World Cup Family Fanzone

    Address

    The Pencil Factory, Carding Mill Lane, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5FD

    Telephone

    01768780075

    spaces@thepencilfactory.com

    Keswick

    Keswick's family fan zone for the FIFA World Cup is hosted at The Mixing Shed at The Pencil Factory.

    With a massive video wall, lights, sound system, and some haze jets for those moments when the goals simply have to be accompanied by a bit of…

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026to12 July 2026Various Opening Times

    Add World Cup Family Fanzone to your Itinerary

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  2. World Cup Quarter Final
    World Cup Quarter Final
    England VS Norway - On The Biggest Screen in Cumbria

    Address

    Lake Road, ULVERSTON, Bowness - On - Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3BJ

    Telephone

    07821 888969

    royaltybowness@gmail.com

    Bowness - On - Windermere

    FIFA WORLD CUP 2026

    FREE ENTRY – Just reserve your ticket!! 18+

    Live on our large cinema screen: ENGLAND V NORWAY

    We are happy to be hosting our very first sporting event with the 2026 World Cup. Doors will open 1 hour before kick off, Each…

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026Open 21:00 - 23:50

    Add England VS Norway - On The Biggest Screen in Cumbria to your Itinerary

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  3. Swimmers
    Swimmers
    Chillswim Ullswater 7.5 Miles End to End

    Address

    Park Foot Holiday Park, Park Foot Holiday Park, Howtown, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2NA

    Telephone

    01257 251217

    info@chillswim.com

    Howtown, Penrith

    Chillswim Ullswater 2026 will take place on Saturday 11th July at Parkfoot Holiday Park on the outskirts of Pooley Bridge, this will be the 7th edition of this incredible swimming challenge!
    Swimmers will complete the full length of lake swim in…

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026Open 07:00 - 19:00

    Add Chillswim Ullswater 7.5 Miles End to End to your Itinerary

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  4. Wild Swimmers with swim the Lakes, Ambleside
    Wild Swimmers with swim the Lakes, Ambleside
    The Swim to Devil's Chimney

    Address

    Glenridding Car Park, Glenridding, Cumbria, CA11 0JS

    Telephone

    01539433826

    swim@swimthelakes.co.uk

    Glenridding

    The Swim to Devils Chimney is another one of our favourite island-hopping adventures, this time on Ullswater. With it's 'Big Lake' exposure and dramatic views this exciting swim requires a good level of fitness… anything can happen on the way to…

    Dates

    From:
    16 July 2026Various Opening Times

    Add The Swim to Devil's Chimney to your Itinerary

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  5. Lighthouse Ultra 180
    Lighthouse Ultra 180
    Lighthouse Ultra 180 Triathlon

    Address

    Waterhead, Ambleside, Lake District, LA22 9BU

    Telephone

    07749248884

    ultraendurancetri@gmail.com

    Ambleside

    Coast-to-coast 180 mile ultra triathlon.

    Dates

    From:
    17 July 2026to19 July 2026Open 06:00 - 20:30

    Add Lighthouse Ultra 180 Triathlon to your Itinerary

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  6. Cartmel Race Days
    Cartmel Race Days

    Address

    Cartmel Racecourse, Cartmel Racecourse, The Racecourse, Cartmel, Cumbria, LA11 6QF

    Telephone

    01539536340

    info@cartmel-racecourse.co.uk

    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…

    Venue

    Cartmel Racecourse, Cartmel

    Dates

    From:
    18 July 2026Various Opening Times
    From:
    20 July 2026Various Opening Times
    From:
    29 Aug 2026Various Opening Times
    From:
    31 Aug 2026Various Opening Times

    Add Cartmel Race Days to your Itinerary

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  7. Sea Wall 7 miler route map
    Sea Wall 7 miler route map
    The Sea Wall 7 miler charity run

    Address

    Port Haverigg holiday village, Steel green, Haverigg, Millom, Cumbria, LA18 4HF

    Telephone

    07907417204

    theseawall7@gmail.com

    Haverigg, Millom

    7.2 miler , multi terrain, charity run event

    Dates

    From:
    19 July 2026Open 09:30 - 14:30

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  8. Montane Lakeland 50 & 100
    Montane Lakeland 50 & 100

    Address

    John Ruskin School, Lake Road, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EW

    Telephone

    01257251217

    organiser@lakeland100.com

    Coniston

    The Lakeland 100 'Ultra Tour of the Lake District' is the most spectacular long distance trail race which has ever taken place within the UK. The circular route encompasses the whole of the lakeland fells, includes in the region of 6300m of ascent…

    Dates

    From:
    24 July 2026to26 July 2026Open 09:00 - 23:50

    Add Montane Lakeland 50 & 100 to your Itinerary

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  9. Runners
    Runners
    M-Sport Charity 5k Race/ Junio 2.5K

    Address

    M-Sport UK Ltd., Dovenby, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 0PN

    Telephone

    +44(0)1900 828 888

    Llangstaff@m-sport.co.uk

    Cockermouth

    ‍♂️ 2026 M-Sport 5K & NEW Junior Race ‍♀️
    The M-Sport 5K is back for 2026 – and this year we're introducing the NEW M-Sport Junior Race (2.5km, one lap of the circuit) for young runners. A great day out for individuals and families.
    Location:…

    Dates

    From:
    25 July 2026Various Opening Times

    Add M-Sport Charity 5k Race/ Junio 2.5K to your Itinerary

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  10. Swimmers in Derwentwater with Swim the Lakes
    Swimmers in Derwentwater with Swim the Lakes
    Derwentwater Island Hop Swim

    Address

    Derwentwater, -, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UP

    Telephone

    015394 33826

    swim@swimthelakes.co.uk

    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,…

    Venue

    Derwentwater, Keswick

    Dates

    From:
    1 Aug 2026Various Opening Times
    From:
    20 Aug 2026Various Opening Times

    Add Derwentwater Island Hop Swim to your Itinerary

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  11. Festival of Running Poster
    Festival of Running Poster
    Festival of Running

    Address

    Workington Cricket Club, The Cloffocks, Workington, Cumbria, CA14 3YH

    Telephone

    07743984095

    info@everyonehere.org

    Workington

    The Festival of Running is a community-focused sporting event designed to promote health, wellbeing and local engagement. The event combines competitive races with family-friendly activities, entertainment and refreshments, creating an inclusive and…

    Dates

    From:
    2 Aug 2026Open 08:00 - 16:00

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  12. Runners in fancy dress running past Muncaster Castle as part of Race The Tide.
    Runners in fancy dress running past Muncaster Castle as part of Race The Tide.
    Race the Tide

    Address

    Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1RQ

    Telephone

    01229717614

    info@racethetide.com

    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…

    Venue

    Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass

    Dates

    From:
    7 Aug 2026to9 Aug 2026Various Opening Times

    Add Race the Tide to your Itinerary

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  13. Group Smiling getting into Windermere
    Group Smiling getting into Windermere
    Epic Lakes Swim Windermere

    Address

    Borrans Park, Ambleside, Borrans Road, AMBLESIDE, Cumbria, LA22 0EN

    Telephone

    01257 251217

    info@epicevents.co.uk

    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…

    Venue

    Borrans Park, Ambleside, Ambleside

    Dates

    From:
    9 Aug 2026Open 07:00 - 17:00

    Add Epic Lakes Swim Windermere to your Itinerary

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

    Address

    Brathay Hall, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0HP.

    Telephone

    015394 33826

    swim@swimthelakes.co.uk

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    12 Aug 2026to14 Aug 2026Various Opening Times

    Add More Adventures in the Beautiful South to your Itinerary

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  15. Start of Junior Fell Race
    Start of Junior Fell Race
    Rusland Show

    Address

    Rusland Show, Whitestock Meadow, Rusland, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8LB

    Telephone

    07759368997

    ruslandshowinfo@gmail.com

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    15 Aug 2026Open 12:20 - 17:00

    Add Rusland Show to your Itinerary

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

    Address

    Ulverston Park Sports Club, Pulman Road, Off North Lonsdale Road, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 9DR

    Telephone

    07739324267

    ljbayliff@icloud.com

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    19 Aug 2026Various Opening Times

    Add Hoad Hill Harriers Summer 10K Race & 1 Mile Fun Run to your Itinerary

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  17. Grasmere Sports
    Grasmere Sports
    Grasmere Sports

    Address

    Grasmere Sports Field, Stock Lane, Grasmere, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9SJ

    Telephone

    +447840059561

    chair@grasmeresports.com

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    30 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00

    Add Grasmere Sports to your Itinerary

    More Details
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  18. THE ROC England Scafell Pike
    THE ROC England Scafell Pike
    THE ROC England

    Address

    YMCA Lakeside, Newby Bridge, Alverston, Cumbria, LA12 8BD

    Telephone

    01758 710011

    info@theroc.com

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    5 Sept 2026Open 07:30 - 18:00

    Add THE ROC England to your Itinerary

    More Details
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  19. Swimmer
    Swimmer
    Chillswim Windermere 11 Miles End to End

    Address

    Fell Foot, National Trust - Fell Foot, Newby Bridge, Cumbria, LA12 8NN

    Telephone

    01257 251217

    info@chillswim.com

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    5 Sept 2026Open 07:00 - 19:00

    Add Chillswim Windermere 11 Miles End to End to your Itinerary

    More Details
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  20. Glorious Gravel Logo
    Glorious Gravel Logo
    Lake District Gravel Epic

    Address

    John Ruskin School, Lake Rd, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EW

    Telephone

    07540888895

    hello@gloriousgravel.com

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    12 Sept 2026Open 07:00 - 17:00

    Add Lake District Gravel Epic to your Itinerary

    More Details
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