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
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join JAG Outdoors for an evening of adventure, exercise, focus, fun, and wellbeing at Whinlatter.
Starting with a run, followed by an hour of yoga in the yurt, and finish with a short shivasna (relaxation) and a non caffeinated drink.
The run…
Whinlatter Forest, Keswick
Penrith
George Mallory had a look at Everest's East Face in 1921 and commented famously, 'others, less wise, might attempt this way if they would; but emphatically it was not for us.'
Six decades passed before a huge lavishly equipped team finally…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The autumn 24/25 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain forest, Dodd Wood & Grizedale Forest. The perfect location for you to enjoy stunning scenery and a fully marked course on forest roads and trails.
This…
Whinlatter Forest, Keswick
Penrith
From Shepherd's Crag to Everest is a new talk by Stephen Livingstone and shines a spotlight on Bentley Beetham, one of the climbers featured in the Everest Revisited Exhibition in our Gallery.
Mountaineer and photographer Bentley Beetham began…
Cumbria
10k road run carlisle to Gretna
Ambleside
The Grizedale Trail 13 & 26 takes place from Grizedale Forest Visitor Centre, near Hawkshead in the Lake District. The half marathon course is the first 13 miles of the marathon route and takes place on good forest tracks. The route is 'undulating'…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The feeling of a head torch trail run in the woods is unique. The night-time adds a whole new dimension to trail running: it is both wild and peaceful at the same time.
Your senses become razor sharp and you become aware of your heartbeat pounding…
Whinlatter Forest, Keswick
Penrith
Tickets on sale from 31st August
Presented by Speakers from the Edge
Sean Conway set out to achieve something no-one else on the planet had ever managed; ultra-endurance records for first, longest, fastest AND most. 105 Iron Man competitions in…
cumbria
Half Marathon & 10k in Carlisle
Penrith
Presented by Speakers from the Edge
From injured veteran to the world's first double above-knee amputee to summit Mount Everest; Hari shares his inspiring journey from being born in a cowshed, going to school barefoot, growing up in civil war,…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Can you conquer WHINLATTER in 2025?
Challenging Whinlatter Forest is the venue for this Trail Half Marathon. With breath-taking views across the Lake District towards Keswick and Skiddaw this run won't disappoint those who love the Lakes. These are…
Whinlatter Forest, Keswick
Ulverston
Velo Retro is heading into its 11th year. Called 'the friendly festival' Velo Retro is a feast of classic bicycles, cars, music, great rides and fantastic food.
Now the biggest retro cycling event in the UK, it's a brilliant weekend, both for riders…
Penrith
Trek 26 or 13 Miles in aid of Alzheimer's Society
Trek for loved ones and bring help and hope to everyone living with dementia. Experience the beauty of Ullswater lake surrounded by towering fells and the powerful Aira Force waterfall.
Kendal
I wanted to get in touch to inform you of our annual Lake District Ultra Challenge on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th June 2025. This will be the 5th year of the event and will follow a similar format to 2024. The event route is comprised of a looped…
Brampton
Mud Run 3000 people all ages and abilities
Buttermere
Base Camp Festival is the small and friendly festival for outdoor lovers aged 18 and over. Based in an idyllic location on the banks of Buttermere, the festival offers loads of activities and attractions on-site, plus the opportunity to explore the…
Ambleside
Swim Challenge East: A fantastic challenge trip to swim across the lakes in the Eastern Lake District – That's 7 lakes in 2 days, are you ready to accept the challenge? This is a fully catered trip for energetic & enthusiastic swimmers who will be…
Stock Ln, Grasmere
Maverick Race heads north for our 4th year, to bring you a trail running adventure in the stunning Lake District. With its rugged fells, stunning glacial ribbon lakes, market towns and historic literary associations, the Lake District is one of the…
The Racecourse, Cartmel
Lakes in a Day 2025 (Saturday 11th October)
50 miles, 4000m ascent – a journey on foot from the very top of the Lake District at Caldbeck to the very bottom, at Cartmel, via the stunning Helvellyn Ridge and the western shoreline of Lake Windermere.…
Cartmel Racecourse, Cartmel
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