The Lake District Ultra Marathon Route
The Lake District Ultra Marathon Route is a scenic and challenging 75K/47-mile course that takes runners on a breathtaking journey around England’s largest and most iconic lake, Windermere. This ultra-distance event offers a unique opportunity to experience the stunning natural beauty of the Lake District National Park while pushing your physical and mental limits.
Route Overview
The route follows some of the most runnable and flowing trails in the Lake District, providing runners with a mix of challenging ascents, technical descents, and picturesque lakeside paths. The course is described as having “some of the most stunning, runnable, and best signposted trails” in the region, making it a true delight for outdoor enthusiasts and endurance athletes alike.
Elevation Gain and Terrain
While the exact elevation gain is not specified, the Lake District Ultra Marathon Route is known for its challenging terrain, with runners tackling a variety of landscapes, including mountain passes, rolling hills, and technical singletrack. Participants should be prepared for varying weather conditions and be equipped with the necessary gear to navigate the diverse terrain.
Event Details
- Distance: 75K/47 miles
- Elevation Gain: Not specified, but described as challenging
- Kit Requirements: Runners should be prepared for varying weather conditions
- Start Dates: 10th-11th May 2025 and 13th-14th September 2025
- Entry Fee: Not specified
- Time Limit: 24 hours
- Feed Stations: 5 fully stocked feed stations
- GPS Tracking: GPS tracker and route map available
- Finishers Medal: Stunning finishers medal made locally
Lakeland Trails Ultra
In addition to the Lake District Ultra Marathon Route, the Lakeland Trails Ultra series offers a range of challenging ultra-distance events in the Lake District, catering to runners of various skill levels.
Lakeland Trails Ultra Distances
- 55K: Includes 3 mountain passes with 7,000 ft of ascent
- 100K: Adds 2 more passes and 3,500 ft more climbing, totaling 10,500 ft
- 23K: A shorter, but still challenging, option
- 14K: A more accessible distance for beginners or those looking for a scenic trail run
Event Details
- Elevation Gain: 7,000 ft (55K) and 10,500 ft (100K)
- Kit Requirements: Runners advised to carry essential kit
- Entry Fee: £127.50 (100K), £68 (55K), and £30 (23K)
- Time Limit: 23 hours (100K) and 13 hours (55K)
- Feed Stations: 8 (100K) and 5 (55K)
- GPS Tracking: Available for the 100K route
- Finishers Medal: Not specified
Montane Lakeland 100 and 50
The Montane Lakeland 100 and 50 events offer two challenging ultra-distance options in the Lake District, each with its own unique route and elevation profile.
Route Description
The Montane Lakeland 100 and 50 routes start in Coniston and follow a clockwise loop, taking in the Dunnerdale fells, Eskdale, Wasdale, and Buttermere before arriving in Keswick.
Event Details
- Distances: 100 miles and 50 miles
- Elevation Gain: 6,300m (100 miles) and 3,069m (50 miles)
- Kit Requirements: Runners must carry essential kit at all times
- Start Dates: 25th-27th July 2025
- Entry Fee: Not specified
- Time Limit: 40 hours (100 miles) and 24 hours (50 miles)
- Feed Stations: 14 manned checkpoints (100 miles) and 6 staffed checkpoints (50 miles)
- GPS Tracking: GPS tracking available
- Finishers Medal: Not specified
Lake District Challenge
The Lake District Challenge offers a range of distances, from a 100K ultra to a 10K trail run, catering to runners of all abilities.
Route Description
The Lake District Challenge route starts in Kendal and takes in a couple of tough hills, the Garburn Pass, historic Ambleside, and a half-way point by Lake Windermere.
Event Details
- Distances: 100K, 50K, marathon, quarter marathon, and 10K
- Elevation Gain: Not specified
- Kit Requirements: Not specified
- Start Dates: 7-8 June 2025
- Entry Fee: Not specified
- Time Limit: 24 hours (100K) and 12 hours (50K)
- Feed Stations: Not specified
- GPS Tracking: Not specified
- Finishers Medal: Not specified
These ultra-distance events in the Lake District offer runners a unique opportunity to explore the region’s stunning natural beauty while pushing their physical and mental limits. Whether you’re an experienced ultra-runner or a trail running enthusiast, the Lake District has something to challenge and captivate you.
Reference:
– Lake District Ultra Marathon Route
– Lakeland Trails Ultra
– Montane Lakeland 100 and 50
– Lake District Challenge