Lake District Ultra Challenge

Kendal, United Kingdom • 6-7 Jun 2026

Lake District Ultra Challenge

The Lake District Ultra Challenge takes place 6-7 June 2026 with basecamp in Kendal. The event offers a looped full route of approximately 100 km, which passes the Garburn Pass, Ambleside and a halfway point by Lake Windermere, and includes forests and nature reserves and notable climbs.

Multiple route formats are available:

  • Full continuous ~100 km loop, Kendal basecamp, ~2500 m climb
  • Full 2 day option: 50 km on day one and 50 km on day two
  • 1st half ~50 km, Kendal to Lakeside, ~1300 m climb
  • Lakes Marathon ~42 km, Kendal to Ambleside, ~1200 m climb
  • 1st quarter ~29 km, Kendal to Ambleside
  • Ambleside 10 ~10 km loop, Ambleside, ~350 m climb

The event provides covered rest stops roughly every 12.5 km with larger hubs at about 25, 50, 75 and 100 km. Food and drink are included at stops, with lighter options for runners and a finishers meal. Medical support, podiatrists and massage services are available at rest stops and along the route. The course is fully signed and uses GPS tracking through an event app; the timing system scans progress at rest stops.

Logistics options include on site camping packages, optional YMCA or hostel accommodation at the halfway point, shuttle transfers to nearby train stations and parking. Specific entry categories include an Ultra March category for walkers, a Trailblazerz category for faster runners and a Solo Challengers start option. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

UTMB 20K UTMB 50K UTMB 100K
100 km
Full Challenge ~100km
75 km
3/4 Challenge ~75km
50 km
1/2 Challenge ~50km
Marathon
Lakes Marathon ~42km
25 km
1/4 Challenge ~25km
10 km
Ambleside 10 ~10km
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

Run classic Lake District fell country at the Blake Fell Race on 31 January 2026, a testing 9.5 km course with 429 m of climb around The Leaps. Entries are limited to 120 so book early for this spirited winter challenge.

Challenge yourself on a classic Lake District fell race from Ambleside, tackling 14 km with 880 m of ascent and spectacular views. Entry is on the day for £2 and competitors must be 18 or over, with a strict cut off at Loughrigg summit.

Trail races from Grizedale Forest Visitor Centre offering a half marathon that follows the first 13 miles of the marathon and a 26.2 mile course that continues on an eastern loop with mixed forest tracks and lake views.

Take on Clough Head in the Kong Winter Series, a punchy fell race in the Lake District on 7 February 2026. Expect about 7.3 km with 570 m of climb over rugged quarry and mountain terrain for a thrilling winter challenge.