Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon
Lake District National Park, United Kingdom • 4-5 Jul 2026
Overview
The Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon (SLMM) is a two-day mountain navigation competition for teams of two, held in the Lake District. The event is organised by Lakeland Events Community Interest Company. It comprises six linear courses of varying length and technical difficulty and one score course. Competitors must carry the lightweight camping and safety equipment listed in the rules and be competent in the use of map and compass in the mountains. Many checkpoints require accurate navigation, which is important in poor visibility. Any surplus generated, and not required for future events, will be distributed to registered charities that support access to the mountain environment and the wellbeing of competitors. Virtual score courses are available for training at Staveley.
Courses and key rules
Courses use planner-calculated distances and ascent over two days. The main courses and their typical total distance and ascent are:
- Scafell (Elite) - 54 km / 4500 m
- Kirkfell (A) - 41 km / 3700 m
- Carrock Fell (B+) - 39 km / 2900 m
- Harter Fell (B) - 31 km / 2550 m
- Wansfell (C) - 27 km / 2200 m
- Bedafell (C, adult + junior) - 28 km / 2150 m
- Fairfield (Score course) - variable
Age and experience requirements vary by course. Scafell and Kirkfell require entrants over 18. Some courses require prior mountain marathon experience or that a junior is accompanied by a parent, guardian or accompanying adult over 21. The score course assigns points to controls and requires camping at the designated overnight campsite. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.