10 Best Ultramarathons in the Lake District in 2024
Famous for the Bob Graham Round, England’s highest mountain Scafell Pike and associations with Beatrix Potter, the Lake District National Park is home to some of the UK’s most iconic ultramarathons.
But if there is one race I keep going back to it’s the Lakeland 50 & 100. I first stood on the start of this race back in 2021 and since then I've returned year after year to support many of my athletes to the start line of their first 50-miler.
Female participation rate in trail running has grown to almost 50% in the last 25 years but struggles to reach a mere 10% at many longer and more technical events such as the UTMB or Spine Race.
Yet Lakeland somehow managed to get almost 40% of women on the start line of the 50-mile race and 20% of women on the start line of the 100-mile race in 2023. How?
The cut-off for the Lakeland 50 event is generous 24 hours which makes it achievable for both runners and walkers alike. And for the 2024 race, the organiser has committed to achieving a 50% female participation rate through the ballot which took place last September.
No matter if you are just getting started or have been around the trail and ultrarunning scene for a while now, there is something for everyone.
Here are 10 Lake District ultramarathons that are loved by myself and many of the female athletes I have supported over the last four years.
1. The Lap Clockwise
Open to both runners and walkers, you have 24 hours to circumnavigate England's largest and most iconic lake. Take in all the best view points on some of the most runnable and flowing trails in The Lake District as you run and walk clockwise through the bluebells. This is a low level route and so is an ideal introduction to trail running and also means it can go ahead, whatever the weather!
2. SILVA Lakes Traverse
The SILVA Lakes Traverse is a 100km ultra following Wainwright's coast to coast route through the Lake District fells. The event has an adventurous ethos and culture of self-sufficiency, crossing the entire width of the Lake District National Park. A challenging yet beautiful ultramarathon, and a great stepping stone for those aspiring to enter the SILVA Northern Traverse and Spine Race.
3. Lakeland 50 & 100
The Lakeland 50 is one the greatest ultra-trail challenges in Europe, perhaps the world. It is run over the second half of the Lakeland 100 Ultra Tour of the Lake District, completing the final 50 miles of the 100 course. It is a truly amazing route and you will visit places that you never knew existed, places which are ignored by the masses. The time limit for the event is 24 hours which makes it achievable by both runners and walkers.
4. 13 Valleys Ultra
13 Valleys celebrates the 13 unique valleys of the Lake District National Park which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site status, by linking them all together. You can choose between one trail distance: 2 Valleys (21km) and three ultra distances: 5 Valleys (55km), 7 Valleys (110km) and 13 Valleys (180km). Each of them will take you through magnificent lakes and valleys of the Lake District.
5. Lakes in a Day
50 miles, 4000m ascent – a journey on foot from the very top of the Lake District at Caldbeck to the very bottom, at Cartmel, via the stunning Helvellyn Ridge and the western shoreline of Lake Windermere. It might not be the easiest traverse but it will be the most spectacular! A few short sections of the route will be way marked to help runners through town sections but you should regard this event as not way marked, and you should have mountain and map skills.
6. Lake District Ultra Challenge
Take on England’s finest countryside at your own pace. The Challenge basecamp is in Kendal, and then it’s a 100km anticlockwise loop taking in a couple of tough hills, the Garburn Pass, historic Ambleside, a halfway point by Lake Windermere, forests & nature reserves – with some stunning views en route, before a huge welcome & celebration back at basecamp after a momentous journey.
7. Lakeland Trails 100KM
The Lakeland Trails 100k Ultra is our ultimate trail with its iconic midnight start, taking the challenge to a new, but achievable level for a truly memorable journey encompassing the finest trails the Lake District has to offer. The Ultra 100k is an epic, fully waymarked and marshalled journey around the Lake District. Are you ready for your ultimate (but totally achievable) challenge?
8. Helvellyn Sky Ultra
If you’re looking for a serious challenge, then this is it. Inspired by the great ultra distance Sky Races of Europe, this is one of the most technically demanding marked races in the Lake District with wonderful terrain demanding that the competitors have superb mountain skills. Stamina alone won’t get you to the finish line! You’ll need a good head for heights and nerves of steel if you’re going to traverse five of the most amazing ridge lines in the Lake District!
9. Montane Trail Ultra
This brand new 2024 ultramarathon follows the stunning Ullswater Way route and includes both the Lowther Loop and the Dalemain Loop to make the course 33.5 miles. With 10 and 20-mile distances also available, the timing makes it the perfect final long run for anyone preparing for the Lakeland 50 & 100 later in the summer!
10. Tour de Helvellyn
Now well over a decade old, the TdeH has fast become a classic winter ultra run. Traditionally on the shortest Saturday before Christmas, it's a great way to avoid Christmas shopping! This is a 'low key' winter event with minimal support and a focus on winter mountain skills. While predominantly on good paths and trails, it is an unmarked route and in poor conditions some sections can be very tough to navigate.
Looking for support in 2024?
Have questions about coaching? Not sure it’s right for you? Want to know whether we will be a good fit?
If you’re thinking about coaching, the next best step is to book a free 30-minute Zoom call with me to chat more about you, your goals and ask your questions.
Use the scheduler below to book your slot. Remember to check your time is correct. Cancellation notice is 24-hours.