Lakes Traverse
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About the race
The Lakes Traverse is a 100 km ultra that follows Wainwright’s coast to coast route across the Lake District National Park from St Bees to Shap. The route crosses Ennerdale, Borrowdale, Grasmere Common, past Grisedale Tarn, through Patterdale, over Kidsty Pike and along Haweswater. The estimated total ascent is about 3,500 m and published guidance suggests a typical completion window of around 26.5 hours; distance and ascent may vary between editions. The route is not fully waymarked but is usually straightforward to follow as it uses established national trails.
Organisers provide a waterproof race map, a digital map and a downloadable GPX file; the GPX is provisional and the route is subject to change. Participants must follow mandatory kit requirements checked at registration and may be required to carry additional cold or hot weather kit when notified. Support is provided at defined Aid Stations and water points. Key locations and distances from the start include Ennerdale (water point, 24 km), Rosthwaite (47 km, indoor space; cut off noted by organisers), Patterdale (69 km; marquee space) and Kidsty Pike (77 km), with the finish at Shap (around 94 km; indoor facilities).
Retirements are only possible at Aid Stations. Medics and a professional response team provide on-course medical cover, and aid stations offer hot and cold food with gluten-free and vegan options. A finishers drop bag is transported from start to finish with a 5 kg maximum and no access during the race.
The event forms part of the UTMB index and carries ITRA points. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
