Take on England’s finest countryside at your pace – and fundraise for your favourite charity. Challenge basecamp is in Kendal, and it’s a 100km loop taking in a couple of tough hills, the Garburn Pass, historic Ambleside, a half way 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. You’ll get full support & hospitality, optional camping / hostel – and with half, marathon, quarter & 10K distance options also, there’s a Lake District Challenge for everyone!
Choose your Challenge, support your favourite charity – do it at your pace, and there are 17 events in the Series with distance options to suit all! The ‘famous’ Ultra Challenge support enables you to go further, whilst enjoying the great outdoors & camaraderie. There are marquee rest stops, lots of food & drink, medical & massage teams, with a fully signed route to guide you. A big finish-line celebration awaits with an amazing sense of achievement, and once the aches subside you’ll feel energised, and up for more of life’s real challenges!
Good preparation & smart planning are key, and from the moment you sign up you’ll have access to our Challenge App – with training guides, optional training walks, maps, online forums, and the latest news & updates.
Rest Stops every ~12.5 km with ‘major’ ones every ~25 km, and are much more than the shaky gazebo with water that you see on some events. We’ve marquee cover, large medical & welfare tents, catering services, seating areas for recovery, changing rooms, and a friendly welcome!
There’re pink arrows to guide you, distance markers, glow-sticks at night, hazard signs, and a route map in the App. Our ‘Trek Masters’ organise group departures at night so nobody has to walk solo. Our chip timing system enables our Control Room, and your friends / family, to track your progress through the Rest Stops.
Keeping you well fed & hydrated is key. We pride ourselves on the quantity & quality of our catering, and meals, snacks & drinks are included!
We’ve experienced Doctors, Paramedics, First Aiders, Podiatrists, and Massage Teams at Rest Stops. There’re ‘Self Help’ areas with blister plasters, talc, Vaseline, and tape if you want to patch your own feet. Our mobile Emergency Medical Teams are only a phone call away, via our 24 hour Control Room
We don’t want you to forget that finish-line moment – our Cheer Squad will ensure you won’t! You’ll get a medal, finisher’s T-shirt, and a glass of fizz, before heading to a BBQ and a well earned rest. Download your official Challenge certificate when you’re ready.
There’re shuttles to local train stations for onward travel, and most finish lines have parking so supporters can meet you. We’ve bus ‘transfers’ to / back to key venues (eg the start) – and check out the ‘Bookable Extras’ for details of all transport options.
Whether you’re a walker and new to challenge events, an experienced trekker, a marathon enthusiast upping the distance, or a seasoned ultra runner – there’s an Ultra Challenge® you! Walk, Jog, or Run at your pace, as an Individual or a Team, for your favourite charity. There’s an Ultra March® option for ‘fast walkers’ – and a new ‘Solo Challenger’ start time to join up with others. The Lake District Ultra Challenge is fun, safe, & rewarding – with full support all the way, enabling you to push yourself further in wonderful coastal scenery, and enjoy a great weekend away.
Sign up online & pay a Registration Fee. You’ll get a confirmation email, which includes a link’ to set up your online JustGiving sponsorship page. You’ll also get access to the ‘Challenge App’ which holds all the details about the event.
Check out the ULTRA MARCH® option if you’re a walker and want to hit a ‘fast pace’. We also have a new SOLO CHALLENGERS START TIME – if you want to meet others!
Choose how you want to join the Challenge – register via that option and its associated online form. Then enter your personal details.
* A ‘Platform Booking Fee’ of 3% is applied to all event registrations.
Confirm the challenge distance you’ll take on (Full ~100km / 3/4 ~75km /Half ~50km / Quarter ~25km / 10km etc) and then select a provisional start time slot (actual start times are confirmed 4 weeks prior to the event, and for Teams – it will be as per the Team Captain’s choice).
The ‘ULTRA MARCH’ option is for WALKERS who want to hit a sub 24 hour pace (for 100km) or a sub 12 hour pace (for 50km) with a group of like minded challengers – all starting together with experienced ‘pace setters’. You can opt in to this format & start time on the Registration Form.
SOLO CHALLENGERS – if you’re signed up on your own, and want to meet up with others – we have a special ‘Solo Challengers Start Time‘ – which you can opt into if you wish (on the Registration Form).
Everyone has to register as we require personal details & declarations. Within the form you can choose to ‘Create’ or ‘Join’ a Team. Teams can be of any size – members can opt for the same or different funding options, charities, or distances.
All sponsorship goes direct to the Charity via your online JustGiving page. At least 50% of the ‘sponsorship target’ should be with the Charity 3 weeks prior to the Challenge. At this time the Charity agrees to pay a Fee for your place to the Organiser (similar to the Self Funding cost – or half of it for Mixed Funding as you’ve already covered half).
Failure to meet the deadline may result in cancellation of your place by your charity.
The remaining 50%, and any extra, should be with your Charity by 4 weeks after the Challenge.
There’s a range of optional extras designed to make the planning for, and joining, your challenge easier. Sign-up to your chosen Challenge first – and you can then book any optional extras later / separately (see below for details).
Looking for a great event for your team without all the hassle, risk, or costs of organising it? These events are the PERFECT solution!
Your Team will be energised, exercised, bonding & motivated on a fun, accessible, safe, high quality outdoors event. With optional hospitality packages available – make an Ultra Challenge® your company’s special event in 2025 – supporting your ‘charity of the year’.
Select your Option below to start the sign-up process. Reg Fees are paid online & Fundraising goes to the charity via an online JustGiving sponsorship page that you’ll need to set up (look for the link within the ‘Confirmation Email’ you’ll receive).
Pay a small Reg Fee & Fundraise for a chosen Charity (who pay for your place)
£50 Reg Fee & at least
£575 fundraising/sponsorship
£45 Reg Fee & at least
£475 fundraising/sponsorship
£40 Reg Fee & at least
£375 fundraising/sponsorship
£30 Reg Fee & at least
£275 fundraising/sponsorship
£20 Reg Fee & at least
£100 fundraising/sponsorship
Pay for half your place cost & fundraise less for Charity (who pay half of your place cost)
£110 Reg Fee & at least
£330 fundraising/sponsorship
£90 Reg Fee & at least
£270 fundraising/sponsorship
£75 Reg Fee & at least
£225 fundraising/sponsorship
£50 Reg Fee & at least
£150 fundraising/sponsorship
£22.50 Reg Fee & at least
£70 fundraising/sponsorship
Pay for your place & fundraise whatever you can for a Charity (small admin fee to charity)
£199 Fee paid online &
fundraise whatever you can
£169 Fee paid online &
fundraise whatever you can
£139 Fee paid online &
fundraise whatever you can
£89 Fee paid online &
fundraise whatever you can
£39 Fee paid online &
fundraise whatever you can
NOTE – Our registration system provider is Active Network – you’ll need to create an account, or log into an existing one as you register. All Reg Fees are paid online. A 3% Platform Booking Fee applies to all transactions.
A range of optional extras designed to make the planning for, and joining, your challenge easier. Sign-up to your chosen Challenge first- and you can then book any optional extras later / separately.
You must be 18 or over (on the day of the challenge) if taking on a Full Challenge (~100km) or Three Quarter Challenge (~75km); 16+ and accompanied by an adult if taking on a Half Challenge (~50km ), 14+ and accompanied by an adult if taking on a Quarter Challenge (~25km) or Marathon); for a Half Marathon aged 12+ and accompanied by an adult; and finally 8+ & accompanied by an adult for a 10km/mile Challenge.
Under 18s taking part must be signed up by someone over 18.
You’ll receive a ‘transaction receipt’ (via email) along with a Confirmation Email welcoming you, and detailing any next steps, timelines you need to be aware of, and how & where to find all the info / details you’ll need for your Challenge. (NOTE– If you don’t receive that e mail within 12 hours, please check your spam/junk mail folders)
You can expect to hear from your charity within 14 days. If for some reason you do not hear from them – please contact them directly, and also email us at charity@actionchallenge.com & we will follow up with the charity for you.
We ensure that registered teams are assigned the same start wave (where distance/challenge option allows), and your team name will be printed onto your bib.
There are no restrictions on our regular teams – you can be any mixture of charities / distances / funding types (i.e. Self Funding, Charity Sponsorship or Mixed Funding), and can have any number of members. (even 2).
Even if you are not fundraising for the same charity, you can still create a challenge team with us.
Whilst you are signing up and registering for your challenge – in the TEAM INFO section (towards the end of the registration questions), you will be asked if you would like to ‘Join a team’ or ‘Create a team’.
If selecting to create a team, you will be asked to create a Team Name and Password. Subsequent team members can then register and select to join your team, and will need to provide the team password in order to join it.
Yes – as long as you are fundraising for the same charity, you can create a team fundraising page on Just Giving (we recommend letting your charity know this is how you will be fundraising together). However, please be advised that the minimum fundraising targets remain per person (not per team), so you will need to reach the combined total fundraising amount on your page for your group.
If you are entering on a Charity Sponsorship or Mixed Funding place then NO – you must select one prime charity for your fundraising. This is because your charity will be paying for a portion of your place on the event (out of the fundraising that you generate). If you wish to also fundraise for another charity, you can do so on your own terms but only as long as you reach the minimum fundraising target your first/prime charity.
If you join as ‘Own Place Charity Fundraising’ however, you have complete flexibility on who you fundraise for – with no targets or deadlines.
All sponsorship goes direct to the Charity via your online JustGiving page – WHICH YOU MUST SET UP.
At least 50% of the ‘sponsorship target’ should be with the Charity 3 weeks prior to the Challenge. At this time the Charity agrees to pay a Fee for your place to the Ultra Challenge Organiser (similar to the Self Funding cost – or half of it for Mixed Funding as you’ve already covered half).
Failure to meet the deadline may result in cancellation of your place by your charity.
The remaining 50%, and any extra, should be with your Charity by 4 weeks after the Challenge.
All charity sponsorship and mixed funding places close 4 weeks before each challenge, so that you have enough time to fundraise and reach your target. Self funding places close for online registration on the Tuesday before each challenge.
Visit the ‘HELP CENTRE’ on the Ultra Challenge Website:
If you still need additional help or guidance – you can contact the Ultra Challenge Team at:
Tel: 0207 609 6695
Over 200,000 adventurers have taken on an Ultra Challenge® so far, and the 18 unique events make up the UK’s biggest & best series of treks & trail runs – which have also raised £55+ million for charities. Whichever challenge you choose, you’ll get full support all the way so you can set a new goal, enjoy the British countryside, and Push Yourself Further! Whoever you are – If you’re up for a challenge, it has to be an Ultra Challenge in 2025.
Lake District Ultra Challenge
7-8 June 2025
100 km loop + Half + Marathon + Quarter Challenge options & Ambleside 10K
1 of 17Isle of Wight Ultra Challenge
3-4 May 2025
106 km ‘Full Island’ Loop + Half & Quarter Island options AND ‘Cross Island’ & Medina 10 Mile challenges.
2 of 17London 2 Brighton Ultra Challenge
24-25 May 2025
100 km + Half, Marathon & Quarter Challenge distance options + Brighton 25 km Loop!
3 of 17South Coast Ultra Challenge
6-7 Sept 2025
100 km + Half & Quarter Challenge options
4 of 17Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge
17-18 May 2025
100 km + Half & Quarter Challenge options AND Marathon & Bridport 10K
5 of 17Thames Path Ultra Challenge
13 – 14 Sept 2025
100 km + 3/4 + Half & Quarter Challenge options & Henley 10K
+ Thames Bridges 25km Trek (Sat – Central London)
+ Friday Moonlight 10K Walk (Central London)
+ The Henley 10K (Sunday)
6 of 17South West Coast 50 Ultra Challenge
2 August 2025
50 km Loop + 25 km & 10 km Challenge options
7 of 17The Bath 50 Ultra Challenge
29 March 2025
50 km Loop + 25 km & 10 km Challenge options
8 of 17Gower Peninsula Ultra Challenge
19-20 July 2025
100 km (fig. of 8) 50 km Loops (West & East) + Marathon + 25 km & 10 km Challenge options
9 of 17Peak District Ultra Challenge
28-29 June 2025
100 km (Fig. of 8) + Half (loop) & Quarter Challenge options & The Bakewell 10 Mile.
10 of 17Cotswold Way Ultra Challenge
21 – 22 June 2025
100 km + 3/4 + Half & Quarter Challenge options. + Cirencester 10K
11 of 17Chiltern 50 Ultra Challenge
27 Sept 2025
50 km Loop + 25 km & 10K Challenge options
12 of 17North Downs 50 Ultra Challenge
12 July 2025
50 km Loop + 25 km & 10km Challenge options.
13 of 17Easter 50 Ultra Challenge
Sat 12 April 2025
Windsor
50 km, 25 km, 0r 10 km Loops from racecourse basecamp.
14 of 17London Winter Walk
25 & 26 January 2025
Marathon, Half Marathon, 10 km or 5 km looped routes – The Oval Start / Finish
15 of 17London Halloween Walk
Sat 25 October 2025
25 KM or 10 KM spooky looped route options. Start / finish – The Oval Cricket Ground ‘dungeon’,
16 of 17NEW – Kent Downs 50 Ultra Challenge
Sat 11 October 2025
50 KM, 25 KM or 10 KM looped routes options. Start / finish – The Kent Showground nr. Maidstone.
17 of 17
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From our Kendal baseamp (where you can camp Fri / Sat), it’s north up the Long Sleddle Valley, and over the testing Garburn Pass with stunning views, and on to Windermere and Ambleside. It’s around the west side of Lake Windernere to the 50 km half way point, and on to the steep climb of Hampsfell. Some flatter terrain in the Lyth Valley, before the final climb of Scout Scar with some of the best views of the Southern Lakes, and on to the very welcome finish line and celebration back at Kendal basecamp.
100 km & ~2500 metres
Every 10-15km under marquees with support – toilets, massage, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more.
There’s a range optional parking & pre or post Challenge shuttle bus transfer services, to make it easy to join & exit. These include:
See ‘Bookable Extras’ page for full details
Kendal basecamp – Friday (+ Saturday option also if you’re fast!).
Visit ‘Bookable Extras’ for full details
4 available
Day 1 – 50 km & ~1300 metres
Day 2 – 51 km & ~1200 metres
Day 1 – Sat 7 June 2025
Day 2 – Sun 8 June 2025
Every 10-15km under marquees with support – toilets, massage, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more.
There’s a range optional parking & pre or post Challenge shuttle bus transfer services, to make it easy to join & exit. These include:
See ‘Bookable Extras’ page for full details
Kendal – Friday 6 June
Lakeside – Saturday 7 June
Visit ‘Bookable Extras’ for full details
4 available (2 for each day)
The 2 Day Full 100km Challenge breaks down the 100km Kendal looped route into 2 halves – of 49 km on Day 1 (Sat) and then 51km on Day 2 (Sun) – and you’ll get to experience this fantastic route, with its stunning views, in daylight. You’ll also have the opportunity to get some well earned rest & sleep overnight at our halfway venue with indoor accommodation at the YMCA. A great way to take on an epic challenge!
Starting from our Kendal Base Camp (where you can camp Fri / Sat), it’s north up the Long Sleddle Valley, and over the testing Garburn Pass with stunning views, and on to Windermere and Ambleside. It’s around the west side of Lake Windernere to the finish line and a big welcome (where you can utilise the YMCA accommodation / transfer back to Kendal).
50 km & ~1300 metres
Every 10-15 km under marquees with support – toilets, massage, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more.
There’s a range optional parking & pre or post Challenge shuttle bus transfer services, to make it easy to join & exit. These include:
See ‘Bookable Extras’ page for full details
Kendal – Friday 6 June (&/or Sat 7th)
Lakeside – Saturday 7 June
Visit ‘Bookable Extras’ for full details
2 available
50 km & ~1200 metres
Every 10-15km under marquees with support – toilets, massage, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more.
There’s a range of optional parking & pre or post Challenge shuttle bus transfer services, to make it easy to join & exit. These include:
See ‘Bookable Extras’ page for full details
Kendal – Friday 6 June camping Lakeside – Saturday 7 June
Visit ‘Bookable Extras’ for full details
2 available
A great option if you want to join someone on the Full Challenge on Saturday evening to finish with them, or set off with most others on Saturday morning or early Sunday morning on your own fantastic challenge on the Sunday. A start on the west side of Lake Windermere then on to the steep climb of Hampsfell. Some flatter terrain in the Lyth Valley, before the final climb of Scout Scar with some of the best views of the Southern Lakes, and on to the very welcome finish line and celebration back at Kendal basecamp.
New for 2024 – and effectively takes the fantastic ‘1st Quarter’ Challenge – and adds 13 km around the Ambleside area – to give a superb Marathon Challenge! Starting from our Kendal Base Camp (where you can camp Fri / Sat), it’s up the Long Sleddle Valley, and over the testing Garburn Pass with stunning 360 views towards Widermere, and then on to Ambleside. From here – the route explores Rydal Water’s edge and includes stunning views of ‘5 Lakes’. You’ll be rewarded with a medal, a glass of fizz, & a picnic lunch to celebrate back in Ambleside.
42 km & ~1200 metres
Every 10 -15km under marquees with support – toilets, massage, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more.
There’s a full range optional parking & pre or post Challenge shuttle bus transfer services, to make it easy to join & exit. These include:
See ‘Bookable Extras’ page for full details
Kendal – Friday (+Saturday option also)
Visit ‘Bookable Extras’ for full details
A fantastic ‘Quarter’ challenge – which squeezes a lot into it! Starting from our Kendal Base Camp (where you can camp Fri / Sat), it’s north up the Long Sleddle Valley, and over the testing Garburn Pass with stunning 360 views towards Widermere, and then on to the charming town of Ambleside – on the shores of the Lake – and a welcome finish line.
29 km & ~900 metres
Every 10-15km under marquees with support – toilets, massage, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more.
There’s a full range optional parking & pre or post Challenge shuttle bus transfer services, to make it easy to join & exit. These include:
See ‘Bookable Extras’ page for full details
Kendal – Friday (+ Saturday option – Saturday also)
Visit ‘Bookable Extras’ for full details
10 km & ~350 metres
At your finish in Ambleside – toilets, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more.
A 10 km looped route with a start & finish at Ambleside. The fabulous route explores a terrain along Rydal Water’s edge and includes stunning views of ‘5 Lakes’ – with Grasmere Lake and Loughrigg Tarn as well. You’ll be rewarded with a medal, glass of fizz, & a picnic lunch to celebrate your achievements.
FULL 100 KM – USE CODE: AUTUMN100
75 KM CHALLENGE – USE CODE: AUTUMN75
HALF 50 KM/ MARATHON 42 KM – USE CODE: AUTUMN50
QUARTER 25 KM – USE CODE: AUTUMN25
THERE IS PITCH/CAMPERVAN AVAILABLE AT LAKESIDE.
KENDAL – MAIN START VENUE – CAMPING – Friday night before your challenge generally suits Full 100 km, 1st Half, Marathon and 1st Quarter Challengers.
Start venue is also the main finish – Saturday night is bookable for ‘fast finishers’ (runners / joggers).
LAKESIDE – HALF WAY VENUE – YMCA ACCOMMODATION – Saturday night primarily for the ‘2 Day Full 100 km’ option for overnight sleep / recovery – AND also works for 1st half finishers (post challenge) & for the early Sunday morning 2nd half starters (pre challenge). Onsite YMCA option has a mixture of room types – BOOK EARLY to avoid disappointment!
All-Inclusive camping package or PITCH only option (inc campervan) is available at Kendal (basecamp) ONLY.
Parking for your vehicle is available at :
Shuttle busses to help with your logistics:
After your challenge:
Friday Night Dinner – available to book for anyone staying at Kendal (basecamp) on Friday night.
Saturday Morning Breakfast – available to participants beginning their challenge on Saturday morning at Kendal (basecamp). Breakfast the following morning is included in inclusive camping package, but must be booked separately for Pitch Only campers.
Sunday Morning Breakfast – available to ALL participants beginning their challenge on Sunday morning at Lakeside. Breakfast the following morning is NOT included if you have booked pitch only camping you will need to book breakfast separately.
NO NEED TO PRE BOOK – AND IS AVAILABLE ON THE DAY AT YOUR START (Pay cash or Card)
