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: 29
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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…
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…
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…
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…
Ambleside
Coast-to-coast 180 mile ultra triathlon.
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
Haverigg, Millom
7.2 miler , multi terrain, charity run event
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…
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:…
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
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…
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
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…
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.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL