Lake District Running Festival
Info: New entries for this event closed on Friday 15th May 2026.
OMM Lite Saturday & Sunday - £85 Grasmere 24hr Ultra Solo - £75 Grasmere Gallop 5.7km Saturday - £20 (18+) / £15 (U18) All entry fees are per person |
THE LAKE DISTRICT RUNNING FESTIVAL
The Lake District Running Festival returns in 2026 to create a packed weekend celebrating off-road running in the Lake District. The festival aims to bring together trail runners, ultra runners, fell runners & orienteers of all abilities in an iconic location to race, relax & enjoy. Great routes, good food, and a chance to hear about the latest developments in the sport make it a must-attend weekend for anyone who loves trail running.
Day Parking/Camping/Showers Saturday/Sunday day parking and Friday/Saturday night camping are available to purchase. (please note, these did sell out last year so make sure you add them to your booking early).
OMM Lite Trail Quest
We’ve placed checkpoints all around the Grasmere area. Your challenge is to find as many checkpoints as you can and get back to the HQ before your time runs out.
On the start line we’ll give you a map showing where the checkpoints are and how many points they are worth. You (and your team) just need to work out how to find them! You can only use the supplied map and your compass to navigate your way round the trails and paths. No GPS can be used.
Run hard or stop for lunch in a local café. It’s up to you how you use your time, but if you go over the time allowed penalty points will be accrued.
The team or individual that collects the most points wins!
Choose between the following:
One or two days?
- Compete for two days (you will return to Grasmere at the end of each day)
- Alternatively take part on either Saturday or Sunday (there are no prizes for single day entries)
Which Course?
- Long Course – Saturday 7 hours, Sunday 5 hours
- Short Course – Saturday 5 hours, Sunday 4 hours
Solo or Team?
- Solo: Compete as an individual
- Team: Compete as a team of either two or three
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Grasmere 24 hrs Ultra 30th May, Start time 10.30am
The Grasmere 24 Ultra Trail Run challenges you to see how far you can go in 24 hours on a stunning 5km loop around Grasmere, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Lake District fells.
Run solo or take on the challenge as a team of up to four runners (with only one runner on the course at any time). The goal is simple: complete as many laps as you can before the clock runs out.
The fully waymarked route starts and finishes at Grasmere Sports Field. From there, runners head along the east side of the lake before crossing the rocky shoreline and joining the lakeside trail. The route continues around the western side of Grasmere before returning to the Sports Field to complete the loop.
To stay in the race, runners must complete at least one lap every hour. Miss the cut-off and you (or your team) will be retired from the event — adding an extra strategic element to the challenge.
All solo runners and teams who complete the full 24 hours will receive a bespoke Grasmere 24 medal, free event photographs, and live GPS tracking so friends and family can follow your progress throughout the race.
The event is self-supported, with hot and cold water available at the changeover area at the event centre.
Whether you’re pushing your limits solo or working together as a team, the Grasmere 24 is a test of endurance, pacing, and determination in one of the UK’s most beautiful running locations.
All team members must be 18 or over.
We have a limited number of live in Vehicle spaces (small vans/cars) or camping spaces(small tent) for the Ultra Competitors if the main camping & live in vehicles are full. Please email us for more information. [email protected]
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Lake District Running Festival Trail Races
The Lake District Running Festival weekend offers a variety of events to whet the appetite of first-time racers and seasoned vets alike. We have an event to suit every age and ability, from the Teddy Bear Dash to fully waymarked trail races plus the Nordic Walking Challenge, whether you are looking to challenge yourself or enjoy a fun run out.
Our races will take place on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st May 2026.
Choose from a 5.7k, 10k or 17k trail run or 10k Nordic Walk on Saturday 30th May 2026 with all races starting at 11:30am. Or step up to the Trail Marathon on Sunday 31st May 2026, starting at 07:30am.
5.7km This event is popular with children and families wanting to run or walk together. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. (If it’s just an under 12 that’s running why not sign them up on the day for the Kids Fun Run race instead) https://lakedistrictrunningfestival.com/kids-fun-run/
All Saturday finishers receive the bespoke wooden medal, all Marathon finishers receive the bespoke Grasmere Gallop slate medal, free event photographs and more importantly, cake... There are various prize categories in all events. Or complete an event on both days and join our 'Doublers', receiving the bespoke Doubler slate medal too!
The Competitor Notes, which detail all the on-the-day event information, will be available to download once entries have closed
The Teddy Dash is open under 5’s and their teddy bears (and other toy animals) and the Kids Fun Run is open to under 12’s and is around 2km in distance (adults can accompany younger competitors). Both events are run in the Sportsfield and registration is £2, on the day, with all Dashers & Fun Runners receiving a medal and lollipop.
The Lake District Running Festival continues to support the Grasmere Red Squirrel Conservation Group #runforthereds
All Festival information can be found at https://lakedistrictrunningfestival.com
View the Event Disclaimer / Terms and Conditions.
View the Event Cancellation / Refund Policy.
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