The La Sportiva Lake District Mountain Trial
The 71st Lake District Mountain Trial will take place on Sunday 13th September 2026 at Seathwaite Farm, Borrowdale (postcode CA12 5XJ). This is a classic mountain navigation race over challenging terrain in the Lake District.
Entry Fee: £30.00 (with a £1.50 discount for using your own SI card). For participants Under 23 on the day of the race, the entry fee is £5.00 (includes a free loan of an SI card if needed). This is made possible by Ted Lowthian’s bequest.
Included in the entry fee:
- Pre-marked waterproof maps
- Electronic punching and scoring using the SportIdent system
- Post-race food and informal get-together
Wide range of prizes awarded across various categories.
Event Details:
A Trial is an annual event held at different venues in the Lake District in mid-September. It is considered to be one of the major events in the fell runner’s calendar. All courses will be severe tests of route choice, navigational skill and stamina in difficult mountain country.
- Classic Route: Approximately 25 miles with 8000 feet of ascent and descent.
- Medium Route: Shorter than the Classic (about three-quarters of the Classic distance).
- Short Route: Approximately half the length of the Classic, catering principally for novices over 18 years old and veterans over 60.
Vetting and Age Requirements:
Owing to the severity of these courses, applicants are vetted for fell-running experience. For all courses, there is a minimum age of 18 for single runners. Over 14s may compete as part of a pair on the Short course if the accompanying runner is at least 21.
The Lake District Mountain Trial is a fell race run under Fell Runners Association Rules.
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.