Sure, you can come to the Lake District, Cumbria, for a walk on the fells or to enjoy our stunning landscapes – but here, we know how to test your competitive edge too.
Throughout the year, we host challenge events of all kinds: from sporting competitions to quirky contests. Whether you want to take part or simply spectate, there’s sure to be something for you.
How about taking part in the UK’s biggest open water swimming event, or completing a marathon in a UNESCO World Heritage Site? We’ve also got an ultra-challenging sportive, as well as walks on Morecambe Bay (always to be undertaken with a guide).
Discover our local traditions with time honoured Cumbrian sports. Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling can be seen at sports shows in the summer months, while there’s also ghyll scrambling and fell running to discover.
Fancy something even more quirky? There are plenty of weird and wonderful challenge events – from a competition to find the world’s biggest liar, to who can pull the best (and most distorted!) face.
It’s time to show your competitive side: discover challenge events in the Lake District, Cumbria, here.
Don't limit your challenges, challenge your limits
Number of results: 19
Old Hutton, Kendal
Bendrigg's infamous 10k course is back with a modern twist! We are thrilled to announce the return of the 'Bendrigg Round', from 1st May to 31st July we are inviting people to come and do the 10k, 4k or both!
Keswick
Keswick Mountain Festival is the UK's largest participatory, outdoors multi-sports event in the UK. In addition to outdoor sports, people can enjoy activities, live music, inspirational speakers, and an incredible array of outdoor brands, plus…
Millom
2 multi terrain runs following for most parts the Cumbrian coastal path
Cockermouth
The Hay O' Trail is a 6km multi terrain race. Runners leave the grounds of Cockermouth School, heading away from Cockermouth along a footpath adjacent to the road (Castlegate Drive)
Braithwaite, Keswick
The Challenging Whinlatter Forest is the venue for this Trail Half Marathon & 10k in May 2024. With breath-taking views across the Lake District towards Keswick and Skiddaw this run won't disappoint those who love the Lakes. The runs are mainly on…
Whinlatter Forest, Keswick
Grizedale, Hawkshead
Stuck for things to do this May Half Term? Whether you are a thrill seeker looking for action-packed fun or simply after some quality time with friends and family, we have adventure covered.
Grange-over-Sands
Are you yearning for a weekend adventure? Are you a cycling enthusiast or a dedicated trail running aficionado? Look no further than Wild Goat Festival (31st May-2nd June), a weekend of running the trails and gravel cycling set in the heart of the…
Silloth
Competitive cycle race and family fun cycling event
Kendal
Take on England's finest countryside at your pace. Our Challenge basecamp is in Kendal, and then it's a 100km anticlockwise loop taking in a couple of tough hills, the Garburn Pass, historic Ambleside, a half way point by Lake Windermere, forests &…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The Whopper is a 6hr or 12hr looped trail race set within Whinlatter forest.
Each loop is approximately 4.16 miles long (replicating the distance of a Backyard Ultra). You can run continuously, to clock up as many miles as you can, or complete 1…
Whinlatter Forest, Keswick
Keswick
Choose between the 60km or 99km routes starting just outside Keswick. The route takes us into England's only mountain forest (Whinlatter) and into beautiful remote trails in this amazing national park. A challenging but very rewarding early summer…
Whinlatter Forest, Keswick
Dalemain, Penrith
Full and Half marathon distance Hike to raise money for Macmillan Cancer support.
Cockermouth
The Lambfoot Loop is an accurately measured and certified 10km road race. The race starts and finishes at Cockermouth School. The course is run over undulating semi-rural roads. Enter online in advance to avoid disappointment!
Pooley Bridge
Come along and join our spectator cruise for the Ullswater Yacht Club's biggest event of the year, the Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy race. Race commentary on board. You are welcome to bring your own picnic and our licensed bar will be open on board…
Ullswater Steamers, Glenridding
Coniston
The Lakeland 100 'Ultra Tour of the Lake District' is the most spectacular long distance trail race which has ever taken place within the UK. The circular route encompasses the whole of the lakeland fells, includes in the region of 6300m of ascent…
Stock Ln, Grasmere
Trail running event staring and finishing in Grasmere - taking in the stunning mountains and views of the Lake District. Choose from 1 of 4 routes; 52km, 44km, 26km or 14km. Chill out post race in our event village with an ice cold Tenzing and a…
Cockermouth
The ONE 10 is an accurately measured and certified 10 mile road race. The race is sponsored by the Lakes Distillery (www.lakesdistillery.com) and is named after their iconic "The One" whisky. The course starts and finishes at the distillery, taking…
The Lakes Distillery, Cockermouth
Grasmere
The epic swimrun event is back! An adventure through the stunning forests, lakes and mountains of the Lake District National Park. Come join us for the Ultra (45km), Full (21.1km) or Middle (12.3km) course, with options to join as a SOLO entry or as…
Crow Park Road, Keswick
One of the most scenic half marathon routes in the country. The challenging course takes you around Derwentwater with an extra loop into the Newlands valley.
Organised by Keswick Rugby Club
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL