Lakeland Trails Marathon
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Marathon, Half Marathon, Mini Marathon 10k and Stretch Trail 5k at Coniston
The event is a series of marked and marshalled trail races based at Coniston Sports and Social Centre. The marathon follows a complete circuit of Coniston Water along footpaths and bridleways, passing Tarn Hows and Beacon Tarn and offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks Old Man, Swirl How, Wetherlam and Dow Crags. Routes were updated in 2024 while retaining key features around Tarn Hows and the edge of Grisedale Forest. A new Stretch Trail 5k was added for 2026.
An event village at the sports centre includes bar seating, live music, race commentary, food and drink stalls and race-day vendors. Courses are mainly hard packed trails with occasional muddy sections and some short road sections; all courses are waymarked and staffed by volunteers. The event requires over 100 marshals and stewards.
Practical notes include onsite parking directed from postcode LA21 8AL with charges for cars and vans and free parking where cars carry four or more occupants. Race numbers are collected on event day and must be attached horizontally for the timing chip to read. Water and feed stations are placed on the marathon and half marathon courses with snacks such as bananas, crisps, jelly babies and flapjack plus water and flat coke. Competitors are asked to bring a reusable cup as cups are not supplied at stations. For safety, in ear headphones are not allowed, bone conductor headphones are permitted, and dogs are not permitted on the running courses. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
