Darren Holloway Memorial Race (Buttermere Horseshoe)

The Buttermere Horseshoe

The Buttermere Horseshoe is a memorial fell race held on 4 July 2026 with routes running from Loweswater Village Hall across the Buttermere fells. The event is organised by a local fell running club and is based on the original Buttermere Horseshoe route.

The route is flagged to the fells at Lanthwaite Green; beyond that the tops are not flagged and there is considerable route choice between checkpoints. Descent from Mellbreak is via the col between the north and south summits; the route off the north summit is out of bounds. GPS is not allowed for navigation. Participants should be prepared to be alone on sections and able to navigate in variable Lake District weather.

Distances and ascent:

• Long course: 35.5 km, 2515 m ascent, AL category
• Short course: 20.8 km, 1518 m ascent, AL category

The short course is still classed as AL and is not suitable for novice fell runners. Full FRA kit is required and a full kit check will be carried out before registration; no kit, no race. Further details, including cut-off times, are available from the organiser. Entry requirements include a minimum age of 18. Free parking for runners is available in Loweswater near registration, opposite the phone box. No dogs are allowed in the village hall. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.