Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon
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Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon
The Saunders is a two day mountain navigation event in the North West Lake District for teams of two. Competitors navigate by map and compass between checkpoints, camp overnight at a remote site, and complete a second day back to the event centre.
There are seven courses ranging from beginner to elite. Totals for the weekend vary slightly each year; examples include:
- Wansfell : 27 km, 2,200 m ascent
- Bedafell : 28 km, 2,150 m ascent
- Harter Fell : 31 km, 2,550 m ascent
- Carrock Fell : 39 km, 2,900 m ascent
- Kirkfell : 41 km, 3,700 m ascent
- Scafell : 54 km, 4,500 m ascent
- Fairfield (score) : choose checkpoints in a fixed 12 hour total
Courses list a Saturday and Sunday distance; Saturday is typically about 60% of the total. Minimum ages vary by course, from 14 to 18 on the Saturday. Three courses are designated as suitable for first timers; other courses require prior mountain marathon experience or equivalent.
Event safety and support include a GPS safety tracker for every pair, sweep teams, a medical team with paramedic support, a mandatory kit list with random checks, and a minibus option from the overnight camp for retirees. Entries open 1 December 2026 and early entry fees are lower than later tariffs. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
