Lake District Ultra Challenge

Kendal, United Kingdom • 6-7 Jun 2026

Event overview

The Lake District Ultra Challenge takes place in the Southern Lake District with basecamp in Kendal on 6-7 June 2026. The event offers a looped full distance and shorter options that use sections of the same route passing Ambleside, the Garburn Pass and a half-way point by Lake Windermere. Routes include significant ascent and are run or walked on trails through forests and nature reserves. Participants can choose single-day or two-day formats and there are dedicated categories for walkers and faster trail runners.

Event details

  • Distances offered:
    • 100 km full continuous loop (Kendal loop, ~2500 m climb)
    • 100 km over 2 days (50 km + 50 km; 1300 m and 1200 m climb)
    • ~50 km (first or second half; ~1300 m or ~1200 m climb)
    • ~42 km Lakes Marathon (~1200 m climb)
    • ~29 km quarter Challenge (~900 m climb)
    • 10 km Ambleside loop (~350 m climb)

Support and services include covered rest stops about every 12.5 km (major stops at ~25/50/75/100 km), regular snacks and meals, hot and cold drinks, medical teams, podiatrists and massage, route signing with arrows and night glow-sticks, GPS tracking via an event app, camping and hostel options at basecamp and Lakeside, plus shuttle transfers and parking. There are special categories: ULTRA MARCH® for walkers and TRAILBLAZERZ® for competitive runners, and a Solo Challengers start option. 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

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.

Take on a scenic 10 km trail around Kendal on 22 November 2025, with limestone scars, cobbled climbs and views over Morecambe Bay. A friendly, not for profit event by Ourea Events supporting Kendal Mountain Rescue.

UTMB Index

Run 50 km with 900 m ascent around Kendal, linking summits and landmarks before finishing at the Kendal Mountain Festival Basecamp. Expect well stocked aid stations, live tracking and a festival finish atmosphere.

Recce the Lakeland 100 route, 26 miles from Coniston to Buttermere, on 23 November 2025. For confirmed 2026 entrants only; coach transport, medical cover and checkpoints provided, but expect rough ground and possible night finishes.