Lake District Running Festival

Grasmere, United Kingdom • 30-31 May 2026

Event overview

The Lake District Running Festival is a two-day off-road running and orienteering event at Grasmere Showground on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 May 2026. The festival brings together trail runners, ultra runners, fell runners and orienteers in the Grasmere area. Day parking, camping and showers are available for purchase, with Friday and Saturday night camping offered.

Races and formats

The weekend includes a mix of organised races, a navigation-based Trail Quest and family activities. Trail race options on Saturday include:

  • 5.7 km trail run
  • 10 km trail run
  • 17 km trail run
  • 10 km Nordic Walk

A Trail Marathon is held on Sunday. Saturday also features a Teddy Dash (under 5s) and a Kids Fun Run for under 12s of about 2 km. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult for the 5.7 km event.

The OMM Lite Trail Quest uses supplied maps and a compass; GPS devices are not permitted. Checkpoints around Grasmere earn points within set time limits. Options include solo or team entries (teams of two or three), long and short courses, and one- or two-day participation.

Entries and fees

Entries open 18 December 2025 and close 15 May 2026. The entry total listed is 192 so far. Example fees include: OMM Lite two days £85, one day £55; Grasmere Gallop 5.7 km £20 (18+) / £15 (U18), 10 km £30, 17 km £35, Nordic Walk £30, Marathon £55. All entry fees are per person. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

Marathon
Grasmere Gallop Marathon
17 km
Grasmere Gallop 17km
10 km
Grasmere Gallop 10km
6 km
Grasmere Gallop 5.7km
Grasmere Gallop Nordic Walk
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

Start the year with the Nine Standards fell race in Kirkby Stephen on 1 January 2026, a challenging 8 mile course with 549 m of climb across classic Cumbrian hills. Pre entry is required and full FRA kit is mandatory.

Explore the middle section of the LAW75 on 3 January 2026 with NAV4, covering about 20 miles from Buckden to Mallerstang with minibus support and snacks. Open to all, limited to 12 places; entry £30.

Experience Lakeland Paws Whinlatter Tails South, a dog friendly trail run through the south side of Whinlatter Forest on 4 January 2026. Choose 5k or 10k routes over runnable forest roads and trails. The event is currently full.

Test your legs in the Lake District at the YHA King Of The Castle fell race, an exhilarating uphill time trial from Borrowdale hostel to the Castle Crag war memorial. Short and steep 2.5 km course with cake and hot drinks to celebrate at th..