Lake District Ultra Challenge

Event Overview

The Lake District Ultra Challenge takes place in the Southern Lake District on 6-7 June 2026. The basecamp is in Kendal. Participants can walk, jog, or run the route.

Route and Distances

The main event is a 100 km looped route starting and finishing in Kendal. It passes through the Garburn Pass and historic Ambleside, with a halfway point by Lake Windermere. The course goes through forests and nature reserves. Several distance options are available:

• Full Continuous ~100 km
• Full 2 Day 'Daylight' ~100 km (split over two days)
• 1st 1/2 Challenge ~50 km (Kendal to Lakeside)
• 2nd 1/2 Challenge ~50 km (Lakeside to Kendal)
• Lakes Marathon ~42 km
• 1st 1/4 Challenge ~29 km
• The Ambleside 10 ~10 km

For 2026, there is a new Ultra Trailblazerz® category for faster, competitive runners. There is also an Ultra March® category for walkers aiming to complete 100 km in under 24 hours or 50 km in under 12 hours. A solo start time option is available for those wishing to meet others.

Event Support and Amenities

The event provides full support along the route. This includes regular covered rest stops with food, drinks, medical teams, podiatrists, and massage services. An event app offers GPS tracking, route maps, and training guides. For participants taking on the full two-day challenge, optional camping or hostel accommodation is available at the basecamp and halfway point. Shuttle buses operate to and from the nearest train station. At the finish line, participants receive a medal, a finisher's t-shirt, a glass of fizz, and a finishers meal.

Participation Options

Participants can join as an individual or as part of a team. There are different funding options: self-funding a place, full charity sponsorship, mixed funding, or owning a place and fundraising for charity. Over 600 charities are involved. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.