Lake District Running Festival
Grasmere, United Kingdom • 30-31 May 2026
Lake District Running Festival
The Lake District Running Festival is a multi-day event held at the Grasmere Showground that brings together trail runners, fell runners, ultra runners, and orienteers. The festival features a variety of off-road disciplines, including waymarked trail races, a 24-hour ultra endurance event, and a navigation-based trail quest.
Grasmere Gallop Trail Races These fully waymarked races take place on Saturday and Sunday. The event includes several distances:
- 5.7 km trail run (suitable for families)
- 10 km trail run
- 17 km trail run
- 10 km Nordic Walk
- Marathon (Sunday only)
Participants in the Saturday events receive a wooden medal, while Marathon finishers receive a slate medal. Runners who complete events on both days are recognized with a specific slate medal.
Grasmere 24 Ultra This endurance challenge requires participants to complete as many 5 km loops of a waymarked course around Grasmere as possible within 24 hours. Competitors may enter as individuals or in teams of up to four. To remain in the race, a runner or team must complete at least one lap per hour. The course follows the eastern and western sides of the lake, starting and finishing at the Grasmere Sports Field. Live GPS tracking and a self-support area with water are provided.
OMM Lite Trail Quest This is a navigation event where participants use a provided map and compass to find checkpoints around the Grasmere area. Electronic GPS navigation is not permitted. Participants earn points for each checkpoint visited within a set time limit, with penalty points deducted for late finishes. Options include:
- Long Course (7 hours Saturday, 5 hours Sunday)
- Short Course (5 hours Saturday, 4 hours Sunday)
- Single day or two-day participation
- Solo or team (two or three people) entries
On-site facilities include day parking and camping, which must be booked in advance. The event also hosts children's activities, including a Kids Fun Run approximately 2 km in length and a Teddy Bear Dash for those under five years of age. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.