Ultra Challenge Lake District Challenge

Pick your distance

What you’re in for

A 100km loop of the southern Lake District from Kendal, over the Garburn Pass and through Ambleside to a halfway at Lakeside on Windermere, then back through the forests and nature reserves of the south, with about 2,500m of climb on the organiser's figures. Each half is 50km with 1,200 to 1,300m; there is a trail marathon, a 29km first quarter with the Garburn in it, and an Ambleside 10K. Early June, through Saturday night for the continuous distance. An Ultra Challenge event, which means walkers, joggers and runners on the same course, signed with pink arrows and glow sticks after dark, with a covered rest stop every twelve kilometres or so — food, drink, medics, toilets — and a bigger one every twenty-five. Runners can enter with a target time; most of the field will be walking.

Terrain and trail

Lane and bridleway out of Kendal, the stony Garburn Pass track over to Troutbeck, lakeshore and woodland path down Windermere, then forest track and field through the quieter south. The Garburn is the one real climb; the rest is rolling. Signed. A trail shoe.

Train for it: routes near the start

Routes starting within 20 km of Kendal Basecamp, Cumbria, nearest first. Each one has a free GPX file and a TRP grade, so you can rehearse the ground before race day.

HARD

Staveley Round

17.4km · 462m climb · Loop · 6.6km away

You get a varied round of the quiet fells and valleys right on Staveley's doorstep, with Wilf's Cafe and the Mill Yard waiting the moment you finish.

HARD

Sallows and Sour Howes from Staveley

19.3km · 480m climb · Loop · 6.7km away

These two fells sit between Kentmere and Troutbeck without belonging to either valley's usual round, so you get proper Lakeland ridge running with almost nobody else on it.

Checked Jul 2026

EXPERT

Ultra Tour of Staveley

61.6km · 2,866m climb · Loop · 6.7km away

This is a commitment. Five distinct fell ridges, two remote valleys, and enough climbing to earn a very large meal. Plan your food, check the forecast, and don't set off late.

Checked Jun 2026

VERY HARD

Garburn Pass from Staveley

31.8km · 813m climb · Loop · 6.8km away

The Garburn Pass is one of the great old cross-fell tracks, and this loop links it with the quiet Kentmere and Troutbeck valleys for a big day that stays almost entirely runnable.

Checked Jul 2026

HARD

Reston Scar and Brunt Knott

12.6km · 617m climb · Loop · 6.8km away

Underrated terrain in a part of the Lakes most runners skip over. Reston Scar gives you proper fell on a short day, without the crowds of the central fells.

Checked Jun 2026

HARD

Longsleddale from Staveley

18.8km · 461m climb · Loop · 6.8km away

Longsleddale has no honeypot, no big car park and almost no visitors, just a single road to Sadgill and a valley that feels a century behind the rest of the Lakes.

Checked Jul 2026

All routes near Windermere →All Lake District routes →

How to enter

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Common questions

How far is the Lake District Challenge?

The Lake District Challenge offers 6 distances: 100km (62.1 miles), 50km 1st Half (31.1 miles), 50km 2nd Half (31.1 miles), Lakes Trail Marathon (42.0 km / 26.1 miles), 29km 1st Quarter (18.0 miles), Ambleside 10K (6.2 miles).

How much climbing is in the Lake District Challenge?

The 100km has 2,500 m of ascent. The 50km 1st Half has 1,300 m of ascent. The 50km 2nd Half has 1,200 m of ascent. The Lakes Trail Marathon has 1,200 m of ascent. The 29km 1st Quarter has 900 m of ascent. The Ambleside 10K has 350 m of ascent.

How hard is the Lake District Challenge?

Not graded yet. A TRP grade is worked out from distance and climb measured off the course file, and there isn't one for the Lake District Challenge yet.

Is the Lake District Challenge course marked?

Yes, the course is marked. Navigation skills are not required.

What kit do I need for the Lake District Challenge?

We don't hold a compulsory kit list for the Lake District Challenge. Ultra Challenge confirm mandatory kit in their race information, usually in the final instructions.

What are the cut-offs for the Lake District Challenge?

We don't hold published time limits for the Lake District Challenge. If Ultra Challenge set cut-offs, they'll be in the race information.

What is at the checkpoints on the Lake District Challenge?

We don't hold a checkpoint list for the Lake District Challenge. What's on the table varies a lot between races, so check the Ultra Challenge race information rather than turning up expecting food.

Can I download the Lake District Challenge route?

Not yet — we don't hold a course file for the Lake District Challenge. Some organisers only send the GPX to entrants. If we get one, it goes up free, with no sign-up.

When is the next Lake District Challenge?

Sat, 5 Jun 2027. Entries open.