Lake District Ultra Challenge

Kendal, United Kingdom • 6-7 Jun 2026

Lake District Ultra Challenge

The Lake District Ultra Challenge takes place in the Southern Lake District on 6-7 June 2026, with basecamp in Kendal. The main route is a loop that passes the Garburn Pass, historic Ambleside and a halfway point by Lake Windermere, and includes forests, nature reserves and a couple of tough hills. The event offers options to walk, jog or run and includes category choices such as Ultra March® for fast walkers and Ultra Trailblazerz™ for faster competitive runners.

Distances, route profile and support

  • 100 km - Kendal loop, ~2500 m climb.
  • 100 km (2-day) - Two stages, 50 km + 50 km, Lakeside overnight.
  • 50 km - Kendal to Lakeside, ~1300 m climb.
  • 50 km (2nd half) - Lakeside to Kendal, ~1200 m climb.
  • Marathon - ~42 km, Kendal to Ambleside, ~1200 m climb.
  • 1/4 Challenge - ~29 km, Kendal to Ambleside, ~900 m climb.
  • 10 km - Ambleside loop, ~10 km, ~350 m climb.

The event provides rest stops and catering: snack stops about every 12.5 km and a meal stop about every 25 km, with hot drinks, water and energy drinks. Major covered rest stops occur at roughly 25/50/75/100 km and include toilets, medics, changing areas and baggage pick up. The route is fully signed with arrows and night glow-sticks and uses GPS tracking via an event app. Medical teams, podiatrists and masseuses support participants, and camping, hostel or YMCA accommodation and shuttle transfers are available. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

100 km
2500 m+
Full Continuous ~100 Km
100 km
2500 m+
Full 2 Day 'daylight' ~100 Km
50 km
1200 m+
2nd 1/2 Challenge ~50 Km
50 km
1300 m+
1st 1/2 Challenge ~50 Km
42 km
1200 m+
Lakes Marathon ~42 Km
29 km
900 m+
1st 1/4 Challenge ~29 Km
10 km
350 m+
The Ambleside 10 ~10 Km
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

Allithwaite 8 on 1 November 2025 is an 8 mile 13 km trail and fell race on the edge of the Lake District and Cartmel peninsula, promising scenic, varied terrain and a true off road feel. Entries are currently full with a waiting list.

Circle Ullswater on a scenic 20 miles lakeside route or push further on a 24 miles high level fell traverse in a friendly, non competitive event. Staffed checkpoints, clear waymarking and post event tea and cake make for a rewarding day out..

Take on the scenic 10 mile Derwentwater Ten around the lake in Keswick, a challenging clockwise loop of undulating tarmac. Hosted by Keswick AC from Keswick School, this popular autumn race offers on site facilities and race day support.

Tackle a classic Lake District fell race around the Lickle and Duddon valleys, starting and finishing outside the Blacksmiths Arms in Broughton Mills. Expect steep climbs across 8 km with sweeping views and a friendly pub finish.

Take on the new Litton Birks fell race in the York Dales, a punchy 5 km with 362 m of climb and rewarding upland views. Pre entry and day entries available and junior races make this a great event for families and club runners.

Run the Arnside Knott Race on Sunday 16 November 2025: a scenic 6 mile fell run above Morecambe Bay and the Kent Estuary with about 1093 ft of ascent. Expect varied underfoot terrain and crisp autumn conditions for a true challenge.