Darren Holloway Memorial Race (Buttermere Horseshoe)

JUL
4
2026
Experience a traditional Lakeland fell race over the quiet Buttermere fells with two AL category courses. This memorial event requires navigation skills and full fell running kit for a self-navigated journey across the peaks.
36 kilometers Half Marathon

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Darren Holloway Memorial Race (Buttermere Horseshoe)

The Darren Holloway Memorial Race, also known as the Buttermere Horseshoe, is a Lakeland fell race held in memory of Pennine Fell Runner Darren Holloway. The event takes place on the fells surrounding Buttermere and begins at Loweswater Village Hall. Participants must be at least 18 years of age on the day of the event.

The race offers two distinct distances:

  • 35.5 km (2515 m ascent) - The original AL category course and part of the Lakeland Classics Trophy.
  • 20.8 km (1518 m ascent) - A short course categorized as an AL race.

The route is flagged from the start to the fells at Lanthwaite Green. Once on the tops, the course is not flagged, and runners must choose their own routes between checkpoints. Navigation skills are required as GPS use for navigation is prohibited, and participants may encounter cloudy conditions or find themselves running alone. Specific route restrictions apply, such as the descent from Mellbreak, which must be made via the col between the North and South summits.

Strict safety requirements are in place, including a mandatory check of the full FRA kit list for every participant before registration. Free parking is available for runners in Loweswater at location NY143211, near the village hall. Refreshments are provided for participants at the conclusion of the event. Please note that dogs are not permitted inside the village hall. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

36 km
Original Course
Half Marathon
Short Course