Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon
Lake District National Park, United Kingdom • 4-5 Jul 2026
Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon overview
The Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon is a two day mountain navigation competition in the Lake District for teams of two. The event runs over two days with an overnight campsite; competitors carry lightweight camping and safety equipment listed in the rules and must be competent with map and compass. Many controls require accurate navigation in remote terrain and poor visibility.
Courses are offered as six linear classes plus one score course. Distances and ascent figures are planner estimates and vary by year.
- Scafell: 54 km, 4500 m ascent; expert; entrants over 18.
- Kirkfell: 41 km, 3700 m ascent; advanced; entrants over 18.
- Carrock Fell: 39 km, 2900 m ascent; experienced; entrants over 16.
- Harter Fell: 31 km, 2550 m ascent; suitable for new entrants; entrants over 14.
- Wansfell: 27 km, 2200 m ascent; suitable for first time mountain marathoners; entrants over 14.
- Bedafell: 28 km, 2150 m ascent; adult plus junior team; junior aged 14 to 17.
- Fairfield score class: variable distance; score format; total time 12 hours split 7 and 5 hours.
Competitors on linear courses may switch courses between days with separate day results. Teams are issued an electronic timing chip to record controls and must keep it attached until the event ends on Sunday. The event is organised by Lakeland Events Community Interest Company and any surplus is distributed to registered charities supporting mountain access and competitor wellbeing. Virtual score courses are available for training at Staveley and in the Howgills. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.