Lake District Running Festival
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Lake District Running Festival 2026
The event offers two trail races based from Base Camp at Keswick School, Vicarage Hill, Keswick CA12 5QB. Routes run around Derwent Water and across high ground in the Lake District, on mountain trails with steep elevation, rocky paths, grass and off-road terrain.
Distances
- 23k - Route passes Derwent Water and Menesty, climbs High Spy, descends Catbells to Keswick.
- 53k - Route via Derwent Water, Seathwaite, Scafell Pike, Wasdale, Honister Pass, High Spy, Catbells.
The ultra distance uses GPS trackers and has multiple aid stations; the 23k has two aid stations. Aid stations are cupless events so runners must carry a cup or flask; stations typically offer water, electrolytes, fruit, savoury and sweet snacks and select energy gels. Chip timing is used and mandatory kit requirements apply; kit will be spot-checked when collecting race numbers. A cold weather mandatory kit has been activated for this edition.
Base Camp facilities include bag drop, portaloos, food and hot drinks and a kit stall. Parking at Keswick School is limited; there is additional street and local car-park parking. The closest major train link is Penrith North Lakes with local buses toward Keswick; services can be infrequent so advance planning is recommended.
A mandatory pre-race briefing takes place at Base Camp. Headphones are discouraged; open-ear options are permitted. The event is UTMB registered and ITRA indexed. Volunteers support course marking, aid stations, marshalling and logistics and receive race credits. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
