Lake District Ultra Challenge
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Event overview
The Lake District Ultra Challenge takes place in the southern Lake District with basecamp in Kendal on 6-7 June 2026. The main route is a looped ~100 km course that passes the Garburn Pass, historic Ambleside, a halfway point by Lake Windermere, forests and nature reserves. The full continuous route lists about 2500 m of climb. There is also a two-day 100 km option with an overnight stop by Lake Windermere.
Course and distances
The event offers multiple distance choices:
- 100 km - Kendal loop, ~2500 m climb
- 100 km (2 day) - two 50 km stages (1300 m and 1200 m climbs)
- ~50 km - half challenge, ~1300 m climb
- ~42 km - Lakes Marathon, ~1200 m climb
- ~29 km - quarter challenge, ~900 m climb
- ~10 km - Ambleside loop, ~350 m climb
Start and finish locations vary by distance (Kendal basecamp, Lakeside Windermere, Ambleside).
Support, logistics and categories
Rest stops are provided about every 12.5 km with major covered stops at roughly 25/50/75/100 km; meals are scheduled about every 25 km. The organiser provides medical teams, podiatrists, massage, baggage pick-up, route signing with arrows and glow-sticks, and GPS tracking via an event app. Camping and hostel options are available at basecamp and at the Lakeside halfway point. Entry categories include Ultra March for walkers and Trailblazerz for faster competitive runners. Shuttle buses, transfers and parking are offered for participants and supporters. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
