Lake District 2020 Trail & Road Running Races

Forget the treadmill in your air-conditioned gym. Nothing beats getting out into the countryside and giving those glutes a good workout. The Lake District’s extraordinary network of bridleways, paths, and mountain passes makes it one of the best places in the world (in our humble opinion) to go for a run, helped of course by the large number of cafés that will provide you with some much needed cake at the end.

Each year, hundreds of runners sign up to take on a running race in the Lake District and many of these events are open to beginners, as well as the experts. All distances are covered, with something to suit everyone, with some events even offering short courses for children alongside the main event. There’s also a good mixture of road and trail routes, as well as routes that will take you to some of the highest points in the fells. If you’re a runner who is planning on taking a holiday in the Lakes this year, or a local resident wanting to take their hobby further, check out some of these fantastic events that are taking place this year.

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February 2020

 

Montane Dalemain Trail 10K

Montane Dalemain Trail 10K

A popular trail run taking place within the grounds of the Dalemain Estate. The course is undulating and can be boggy. Spectators can wait for you at the Dalemain tea room and there is a free children’s 1K race on the day.

March 2020

 

Haweswater Half Marathon

Haweswater Half Marathon

A run along one of the most remote reservoirs in the Lake District. This quiet corner of the Lakes offers stunning scenery and a wonderful sense of isolation and peace and the route is an “in and out” course along the lake road. Entrants will receive a unique souvenir mug at the end, filled with tea, along with a delicious flapjack. On the day, there will be a 2.5K race for juniors.

Daffodil Run & Walk

Daffodil Run & Walk

This event was established following the 2015 floods that tore down the bridge at Pooley Bridge, in order to support local businesses. The popularity of the event has meant that it has continued to be held each year since and it’s a great day out for the whole family.

Covering a mixture of trails, paths, and road, the event is open to anyone. It’s an in and out route and there’s no obligation to complete it, meaning families with children can do as much as they like before turning back. Walkers are released at the start of the morning, with runners released later, and the full route has great views of Ullswater and the Eden Valley.

  • Distance: 13 miles
  • Type: Well established paths and roads with an easy to follow route
  • Date: 7th March 2020
  • Entry Costs: £20 adults, £5 children under 14
  • Website: nav4.co.uk/daffodil-run-and-walk

Lakes Mountain 42

Lakes Mountain 42

An incredible tough and technical trail run that covers 42 miles and around 10,000 foot of ascent, taking in the summits of Helvellyn and High Street. Runners will need excellent mountain navigation skills, as well as full winter running gear. Not for the average runner.

Coniston 14

Coniston 14

A very popular event that attracts around 1600 runners each year. This is a 14-mile road race that completes a circuit of Coniston Water, passing through a number of villages along the way. The event is entirely organised by local volunteers and raises money for local charities and causes.

  • Distance: 14 miles
  • Type: Road run
  • Date: 21st March 2020
  • Entry Costs: £30
  • Website: coniston14.co.uk

Buttermere Trail Races

Buttermere Trail Races

A 20km low level trail run that will see runners complete a circuit of both Buttermere and Crummock Water, one of the most scenic parts of the Lake District. Spaces are limited due to the remote location and participants are asked to car share wherever possible. The entry fee includes a contribution to the National Trust who look after this part of the Lake District.

April 2020

 

Lakes Traverse

Lakes Traverse

A 60-mile ultra trail run that coincides with the Northern Traverse, an annual trail run along Wainwright’s Coast-to-Coast route. Participants have 28 hours to complete the route that covers much of the Lake District, starting from St Bees and finishing in Shap, visiting Borrowdale, Ennerdale, Grasmere, and Haweswater along the way. The route involves 12,000 feet of ascent, making it incredibly challenging.

 

Lakeland Trails: Hawkshead 10K & 16K

Lakeland Trails: Hawkshead 10K & 16K

Lakeland Trails specialise in hosting trail runs throughout the Lake District on a regular basis. Each event features a carnival atmosphere with live music, food and drink, and free children’s fun races. These two races follow well marked footpaths and bridleways around Hawkshead and both races include the mile long Coffin Trail climb, a vertical ascent that will leave the most elite athletes feeling breathless.

 

Derwentwater Dawdle

Derwentwater Dawdle

A 23-mile trail run that will take you around Derwent Water and deep into Borrowdale. Throughout the run participants will have fantastic views of the Lake and take on the summits of Cat Bells and Walla Crag. This is an ideal run for trail runners who want to make the move into tougher races as it involves around 4,300ft of ascent with a route that is fairly easy to follow.

May 2020

 

Keswick Half Marathon

Keswick Half Marathon

A very popular road race that takes place each year to raise money for a worthy cause. The event is organised by the Keswick Rugby Club and the proceeds from the race fund a full time rugby development officer who works in local schools offering coaching sessions. Runners will complete a circuit of Derwent Water along with a visit into the beautiful Newlands Valley. On the day, there is a 350 metre fun run for children costing £4.

 

Lakeland Trails: Staveley 5K, 10K, 18K

Lakeland Trails: Staveley 5K, 10K, 18K

These trails start in Staveley and explore the beautiful Kentmere Valley, exploring woodland and tarns along well marked paths and bridleways. As a Lakeland Trails event you can expect a party atmosphere at the start / finish, with live music and refreshments, and free children’s fun runs. These races are a great introduction to trail race running with easy to follow courses.

  • Distance: 5K, 10K, 18K Challenge, 18K Race
  • Type: Trail run
  • Date: 9th May 2020
  • Entry Costs: £25-£32
  • Website: lakelandtrails.org/staveley
 

Run Cumbria Whinlatter Forest 5K & 10K

Run Cumbria Whinlatter Forest 5K & 10K

A new event from Run Nation, this is a 10K run around the trails of Whinlatter Forest. It’s suitable for all abilities, though the route is far from flat. All participants will receive a medal and a tree will be planted for every finisher. It’s a fantastic introduction to trail running races with wonderful views towards the forest summits. There is also a 5K race taking place on the same day.

 

Asics Windermere Marathon

Asics Windermere Marathon

One of a number events set up to raise money for the Brathay Trust, this marathon will take you around Windermere lake, along roads that pass through a number of towns and villages, as well as picturesque scenery on the western side. During the event, there will be a festival of running at Brathay Hall to keep spectators amused with a carnival atmosphere throughout.

 

Brathay 5K

Brathay 5K

To coincide with the Windermere Marathon this event organised by the Brathay Trust is ideal for beginner runners and those who prefer shorter races generally. The route follows tarmacked tracks and roads out of the Brathay Estate and into the surrounding countryside and the event is timed so that runners will complete their race around the same time and the same place as the marathon runners.

  • Distance: 5K
  • Type: Road run
  • Date: 17th May 2020
  • Entry Costs: £10
  • Website: https://www.brathaychallenges.com/events/running/brathay-5k
 

Keswick Mountain Festival: Adidas TERREX Trail Runs 5K / 10K / Half / Ultra

Keswick Mountain Festival: Adidas TERREX Trail Runs 5K / 10K / Half / Ultra

The Keswick Mountain Festival celebrates everything to do with the great outdoors and always packs a programme of outdoor events that anyone can sign up to, without needing a main festival ticket. This year’s programme includes 4 races supported by adidas.

There is a 5k trail run on a low level route open to all, including families, a 10K trail run with around 330m of ascent, and a half marathon trail run with around 860m of ascent and some technical aspects, all of which will take you on a scenic tour of Derwent Water. In addition, there’s a 50K Ultra Marathon with just under 2000m of ascent with plenty of technical challenges. Entry into all of the events includes a concert ticket and a t-shirt.

 

Grasmere Gallop

Grasmere Gallop

An event for the whole family, the Grasmere Gallop has taken place annually for 35 years, raising money for local causes. The event attracts a large number of people each year, thanks to its inclusive nature. Races include a teddy dash for children, a 5.7K fun run, a 10K trail run, a 10K Nordic walk, and a 17K trail run, all taking place in and around Grasmere.

  • Distance: 5.7K / 10K / 17K
  • Type: Trail run
  • Date: 30th May 2020
  • Entry Costs: 5.7K £10 / 10K £22 / 17K £27
  • Website: grasmeregallop.co.uk

June 2020

 

Scafell Sky Race

Scafell Sky Race

Previously part of the Skyrunning series, this is an extremely technical challenge and entries will be vetted for their experience in tough mountain terrain. The course comprises of 40km of single track paths with scree and scramble sections and it includes 3,000 metres of ascent that will take you over Scafell Pike, Pavey Ark, Great Gable, and several other iconic peaks.

 

Lakeland Trails: Coniston Marathon & Half Marathon

Lakeland Trails: Coniston Marathon & Half Marathon

This event comprises of a complete circuit of Coniston Water along well marked footpaths and bridleways. The route includes a visit to the idyllic beauty spot of Tarn Hows, along with Beacon Tarn elevated in the fells.

There are panoramic views of the lake and surrounding fells throughout and the event has been described by Runners' World magazine as “the most scenic trail Marathon in Britain.” The shorter half marathon comprises of the first section of the course, turning back at Tarn Hows. In addition, there’s a 10K race for those who prefer shorter events, and children’s fun races near the finish.

  • Distance: 26 miles / 13 miles / 10K
  • Type: Trail run
  • Date: 7th June 2020
  • Entry Costs: £48 marathon / £38 half marathon or 10K
  • Website: lakelandtrails.org/marathon
 

KONG 10Peaks The Lakes

KONG 10Peaks The Lakes

10Peaks The Lakes is a non-stop ultra distance race over the Lake District's most iconic fells. There are two stunning courses to choose from – the classic Long Course at around 73km in length with a tough 5600m of ascent or a shorter 48km option. Both courses visit 10 incredible summits and both courses must be completed within 24 hours, so you will need to be adept at running technical terrain in the dark.

 

Lakeland Five Passes Ultra

Lakeland Five Passes Ultra

Taking in five of the most iconic mountain passes in the Lake District, this race is 32-miles long and features 10,000ft of elevation. Participants will cover several Lake District highlights, including Stock Ghyll Waterfalls, Stoney Cove Pike, and the Rydal Coffin Route. The route is quite technical in places, with scree slopes and scrambles.

 

Thirlmere Trot

Thirlmere Trot

A 24-mile race that takes a high level route around Thirlmere. The event includes 6,500ft of elevation and the highest point of the race is the summit of Helvellyn. The route includes the damn at Thirlmere and a visit to Grisedale Tarn. The event is open to walkers but there is time limit of ten hours to complete the route.

July 2020

 

Derwent Water Regatta: Borrowdale Trail Races

Derwent Water Regatta: Borrowdale Trail Races

Three stunning trail races around Derwent Water that are a classic part of the Lake District trail running calendar. These events are hosted by High Terrain Events in partnership with the National Trust to coincide with the Derwent Water regatta, an outdoor festival that offers tasters in various outdoor sports. There’s a 5k route suitable for all, a 13K route that offers experienced runners a challenge, and a 21k route with a significant climb for elite runners.

 

Lakes Sky Ultra

Lakes Sky Ultra

50Km with 4,000m of ascent. Not to be taken lightly, this is one of the most technical races in the Lake District’s calendar and includes traverses over Striding Edge and Swirral Edge. This race offers the full mountaineering experience, with scree, grade 3 scrambles, roped climbs and King of the Mountain super stages to add an extra challenging element.

  • Distance: 50K
  • Type: Ultra trail run
  • Date: 11th July 2020
  • Entry Costs: £100
  • Website: https://www.lakedistrictskytrails.com/details
 

Lakeland Trails: Ultra 100K & 55K, & Ambleside 23K & 14K

Lakeland Trails: Ultra 100K & 55K, & Ambleside 23K & 14K

If you do one Ultra event this year, consider making it this. Starting at midnight, the 100K takes in five mountain passes and involves over 10,000ft of ascent, visiting Ullswater, Haweswater, Grasmere and Troutbeck.

It’s also worth 4 ITRA points for your UTMB qualification. The 55K course follows much the same route, skipping Haweswater. In addition, on the day there are shorter routes for developing trail runners. A 23K route will take you on a tour of the fells surrounding Grasmere and Elterwater, whilst a 14K route is a beautiful exploration of the fells above Rydal Water. The races are fully marshalled throughout.

  • Distance: 100K / 50K / 23K / 14K
  • Type: Ultra trail run
  • Date: 11th July 2020
  • Entry Costs: £135 100K / £79 55K / £34 23K / £29 £14
  • Website: lakelandtrails.org/ultra
 

The Montane Lakeland 50 & 100

The Montane Lakeland 50 & 100

One of the most gruelling events on the trail running calendar, these races are not for the ill prepared. The 100-mile race is a circular route that takes in most of the Lake District valleys and includes around 6,300 metres of ascent. It’s a continuous race with check points. Sleep is possible but there is a time limit of 40 hours to complete the route.

The 50 mile race comprises of the second half of the 100 mile race but it certainly isn’t easy, with around 3,100 metres of ascent over rough terrain. Both events have high drop out rates, which should give you an indication of the level of fitness and commitment that is required.

August 2020

 

The Grand Tour of Skiddaw

The Grand Tour of Skiddaw

A 44-mile waymarked trail run that explores the quiet northern fells. The course starts at Dalston and follows the river to Caldbeck before heading up the fells, culminating in an ascent of Skiddaw, with a descent down Longside Edge. After the race, participants are welcome to a post race party complete with firepit.

September 2020

 

Lakeland Trails: Keswick 5K, 10K, & 15K

Lakeland Trails: Keswick 5K, 10K, & 15K

Promising a carnival atmosphere, the Keswick trail runs from Lakeland Trails are a great introduction to trail running races, with courses to suit most abilities. All of the races set off from Keswick’s Fitz Park and head up the slopes of Latrigg, with the longer course heading up the fells below Skiddaw. The courses follow well marked paths and bridleways, and entertainment will be available in the park, include fun races for children.

  • Distance: 5K / 10K / 15K
  • Type: Trail run
  • Date: 5th September 2020
  • Entry Costs: £20 5K / £29 10K & 15K
  • Website: lakelandtrails.org/keswick
 

Ambleside 60

Ambleside 60

This event first took place last year and was organised by the Brathay Trust in order to raise funds for the charity. This ultra marathon offers 60km of trails through some of the Lake District’s most spectacular scenery, taking in Loughrigg, Tarn Hows, the Coniston Coppermine, Blea Tarn, and Stake Pass. It involves 2120m of ascent.

 

The Cumbria Way Ultra

The Cumbria Way Ultra

Stretching from Ulverston to Carlisle, the Cumbria Way is an iconic route that covers some of the most beautiful scenery in the Lake District. On this event runners will pass Coniston Water, Tarn Hows, Borrowdale, Derwent Water, Skiddaw House, and Caldbeck. The full course covers 73 miles with around 10,000 feet of ascent, but there is a shorter, 30 mile version that starts at Keswick and finishes in Carlisle.

October 2020

 

Octoberfest Langdale Trail Races

Octoberfest Langdale Trail Races

Octoberfest is a music and mountain festival organised by the National Trust at Sticklebarn in Langdale, and Lake District Sky Trails will be organising two events as part of this festival.

The Langdale 10K Valley Floor Trail Race is a fairly technical trail with 250m of ascent, ideal for trail runners who want to move into fell running. The Stickle Grind Uphill Race is just 2.4km in length, but covers 650m of ascent, making it incredibly gruelling. The full details are yet to be confirmed, do check back later in the year.

 

Lakeland Trails: Coniston 10K & 15K

Lakeland Trails: Coniston 10K & 15K

With stunning views of Coniston and a party atmosphere at the start, this event is perfect for those looking to stay motivated as the evenings turn darker and the weather turns colder.

With easy to follow routes that are fully marshalled, these races are ideal for trail runners looking to move into racing, though the 15K route does include one very steep section. On the day, there will be children’s fun runs at the finish area.

 

The Langdale Marathon / The Langdale Half Marathon

The Langdale Marathon / The Langdale Half Marathon

It might be on a road, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. The Langdale Marathon / Half Marathon comprises of a course that includes roads with gradients that are 1:3 in places. However, the stunning route around Langdale offers breath-taking views as a reward, and best of all, the event raises money for local charity, The Brathay Trust.

November 2020

 

Lakeland Trails: Helvellyn 5K, 10K, & 15K

Lakeland Trails: Helvellyn 5K, 10K, & 15K

Starting out from the shore of Ullswater, these races will take you into the slopes below Helvellyn where you will be rewarded for your efforts with dramatic scenery.

Lakeland Trails offer a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, so if you want to take the next step in your trail run journey and take part in your first race, then these are the events for you. Family friendly, there is entertainment at the finish, including children’s trails. This event is part of the Lakeland Trails’ “Dirty Double” weekend.

  • Distance: 5K, 10K, & 15K
  • Type: Trail run
  • Date: 7th November 2020
  • Entry Costs: £20 5K / £29 10K & 15K
  • Website: lakelandtrails.org/helvellyn
 

Lakeland Trails: Ullswater 10K & 14K

Lakeland Trails: Ullswater 10K & 14K

The second day of Lakeland Trails “Dirty Double” weekend sees a completely unique race that begins with a boat ride. Hop on board an Ullswater Steamer at Glenridding and alight at Howtown on the eastern side of the lake.

From there, runners will need to return via the Ullswater Way back to Glenridding, with the 14K route taking a slight diversion for a longer run. There is one sailing for the 10K and three sailings for the 14K, launching at staggered times. There are also children’s fun trails at the finish, plus a carnival atmosphere with entertainment.

 

Pinnacle Ridge Extreme

Pinnacle Ridge Extreme

It might be short compared to other extreme fell races, but that doesn’t mean that this event should be taken lightly. Taking place in the fells above Patterdale, including Helvellyn and her infamous ridges, this race includes several graded scrambles and scree descents. It also takes place at a time when you can expect to encounter strong winds and heavy rain.

December 2020

 

Christmas Pudding 10K

Christmas Pudding 10K

Get into the Christmas spirit and help raise money for a great cause by taking part in the annual Christmas Pudding race. The event is a 10K run through Langdale on a mixture of roads and good low level paths, and it’s organised by the Brathay Trust as part of a series of running challenges that raise money for the charity. Participants are welcome to dress up in festive outfits and every finisher receives a Christmas pudding.

 

Tour De Helvellyn

Tour De Helvellyn

The depths of winter might seem like an unlikely time to take on a tough fell run but for elite runners this is a classic. Held each year on the shortest Saturday of the year, the 38-mile course starts at Askham and takes runners along Ullswater, around the side of Helvellyn down to Thirlmere, and back via Grisedale Tarn and Patterdale. Full winter gear is required.