Lakes in a Day 2025 (Saturday 11th October)
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!
View the 2024 Athletes Tracking Data
Race Details
We want to make this day one of the best you have had on an ultra run, so we have created a journey that is inspiring, daunting and stunning in equal measure.
- If you are leaving your car at Cartmel, you must register on the Friday evening (7-10pm) there will be NO registration at Cartmel on Saturday morning.
- Camping is available on Friday night at Cartmel (£12) and Saturday for those who finish late or have a long journey home after the race. To confirm, camping on the Friday / Saturday night is for tents and short wheel base campers (e.g. VW T4 / T5’s). It is not suitable for larger camper vans or motor homes. Vehicles longer than 6m are not permitted on site. Campsite must be clear by 9.00am Sunday morning.
- The coaches will leave Cartmel at 5.45am prompt. Faffers and the constipated will not be waited for.
- The coach transfer needs to be booked as an extra at a cost £12 and needs to be done by the 20th September.
- On Saturday morning registration will be available at the Caldbeck Parish Hall – 6.30am to 7.30am. The hall is approx 500m from the start – this will only be available to people who cannot make it to Cartmel.
- If bringing a vehicle to Caldbeck please park responsibly following marshals advice and not in front of driveways – being late or “I’ll only be 5 mins” is not a valid reason for inconsiderate parking.
- RACE START is at 8am outside the Oddfellows Arms – be there on time or be left behind!
- Recce days are advised. Please see our Recce Days tab which lists all the sections and dates and are run by Nav4.
*Please note route has been amended from previous years just after Threlkeld
Pricing
- Early Bird £130 until 31st January. Thereafter £160 Solo entries only (no teams/relays)
Optional extras:
- Coach seat Cartmel>Caldbeck on race day morning (£12)
- Camping space at Cartmel racecourse on Friday evening (£12)
Refund policies vary slightly from event to event – the refund policy for Lakes in a Day is:
Entrants wishing to withdraw must inform the organiser by email to info@durtyevents.com (Withdrawals 60 days or more prior to race day will receive 75% Refund, Withdrawals 30-60 days prior to race day will receive 50% Refund, Withdrawals less than 30 days prior to race day 0%). Please note deferring entries to the 2026 event will not be possible.
This route takes in some of the highest fells in the Lake District and we would never say never to cancelling in extraordinary circumstances. Runners need to have the appropriate skills for safe travel on foot through the fells in inclement conditions. You have plenty of time!
Please note, if extremely high winds are forecast we may invoke a low level route and in this event no refund will be given.
ENTER NOWMandatory Kit
Please note that this is the kit list is regardless of the weather – even if there is bright blue sky and not a cloud to be seen. With the length of this event and the fickle nature of weather in the Lakes, all of this kit will come in useful and therefore needs to be carried. This list is the minimum and you will most likely be grateful for more! This event is not like many other ultras in the UK calendar – it goes up on to the high fells and STAYS up there so don’t take any chances.
The organisers reserve the right to disqualify any competitors who, in their opinion, do not have the necessary kit to survive in an emergency situation. Cotton clothing is not suitable.
You are required to take with you the following items:
- Waterproof jacket with hood – not a bin bag or fashion jacket, but one suitable for mountain running and walking. It needs to have a waterproof membrane and taped seams.
- Waterproof trousers – suitable for mountain running (see above) – midweight, rather than skinny ‘race weight. Knee length zips are recommended to aid rapid deployment
- Full Leg Cover (worn or carried) – Additional to your waterproof trousers
- Insulated layer – fleece / lightweight synthetic duvet jacket (not sure what you are looking for check out this guide for details and inspiration)
- Long sleeve top – In addition to any top you may be wearing
- Hat (not a buff) and gloves (Wind & Waterproof over mitts are highly recommended)
- Map (supplied)
- MUG– a device that can take at least 200ml of hot water and not fall apart or damage the user. And can be used for hygienically drinking from (so you can’t use your shoe!) The soft / flexible / foldable cups are NOT suitable.
- Compass (Not a phone or watch version) & Whistle
- Torch and spare batteries (or spare torch) – Your torch should be capable of giving useable light for a minimum of 12 hours
- Bivy bag (not a foil blanket) e.g. This one
- Mobile phone. If you are using your mobile phone for navigation you will need to a) bring another phone for use in emergencies or b) bring a fully charged battery pack to recharge your phone if needed in an emergency
- Money (not just a credit card)
- Whistle
All spare clothing must be waterproofed (i.e. in a drybag)
Please use your common sense. This is a long run in wild terrain. If you are at the start line wearing a t-shirt and shorts carrying nothing but a bum bag, expect us to be asking a few questions. If the weather is bad then pack additional extra layers of kit.
NAV4 Adventure hold mountain safety days some of which double up as recce days for those wanting to check out sections of the course. These days not only familiarise you with the route they also arm you with tips and sound advice to help get you through the event. Please see our Recce Days tab on our website.
If you can’t join NAV4 we would highly recommend looking for a mountain safety day near you, the advice you receive will be invaluable and could make the difference between a good day and a bad day on the hills.
The Lakes in a day Runners Information Pack will be posted here approximately 1 month before the event. For now here is the 2024 version which may answer some of your questions ahead of the event.
Waymarkings
You should regard this event as not waymarked, and you should have mountain and map skills. We don’t object to the use of GPS units as back up. GPS must not be your sole means of navigation for this event.
A few short sections of the route will be waymarked to help runners through town sections (Thelkeld and Ambleside, for example). The high fell will never be waymarked and runners need to rely on their own navigation skills for most of the route.
Download 2025 Route Map DOWNLOAD 2025 ROUTE*Please note route has been amended from previous years just after Threlkeld
Recce Days
Our friends at NAV4 Adventure will once again lead recce days to boost your knowledge of mountain safety skills, the course and course exit routes ahead of the event.
There will be seven recce days over the coming months, each recce day is guided by a member of the NAV4 Team who have endless experience of skills and safety. The team are happy to impart their knowledge along with hints and tips on how to best cover each section of the event route. These days are an excellent opportunity to get to know the route, get hints on the best line for you and to brush up on your navigation skills. This is also the perfect opportunity to try out your kit, figure out what you need, how you will carry it and when to use/not use the items you have with you.
There are also two skills based sessions, one offering a half day on Hallsfell Ridge for those nervous of the terrain and the other is ‘LiAD Skills on The Dodds’ with an enhanced navigational and hillskills input.
Saturday 15th March – Ambleside to Cartmel
This is the final section of the course and the distance covered will be around 22 miles, this section is the relatively flatter easier trail terrain which many people finish in the dark. It’s easy navigation generally, but also easy to mess up. Book Now
Saturday 10th May – Caldbeck to Threlkeld
This day covers the first section of the route, the terrain is rough remote grassy trod. A large part of this section is free route choice and therefore not covered by your gpx. Learn the best way to navigate this section, how to ford the unpredictable river and the best way to ascend Blencathra, and descend down Hallsfell Ridge. It’s only 12 miles but packs in 4000′ ascent over rough slow ground. Book Now
Saturday 19th July – Helvellyn to Ambleside
This covers the majority of the middle section of the course including Helvellyn, Nethermost and Dollywagen Pike, the Grisedale Tarn descent (cut-off/opt out site) before the steep ascent of Fairfield and the all important opportunity to nail the navigation blackspot that is Fairfield to Ambleside. The route is approximately 15miles in total with 5500′ ascent. *You will access the Helvellyn range via Sticks Pass, thus enabling us more time to focus on the route ahead. Many athletes find this is the area where they start to question their ability to complete the event, learn where the safest and best places are to descend early and return to civilisation. Book Now
*Note: the Threlkeld to Sticks Pass section will feature in the ‘LiAD: Skills on The Dodds’ session.
Saturday 23rd August – LiAD: Skills on The Dodds
This is a recce / skills day based from Threlkeld and going up Clough Head and Great Dodd. We’ll have more time to focus on all the skills you need to complete LiAD successfully, utilising the excellent navigational area of The Dodds and towards Sticks Pass. Hence it completes the event recce chain. Book Now
Sunday 24th August – Caldbeck to Threlkeld
This day will be the same as 11th May. We offer a second day due to demand, plus you can make a weekend of it with Saturday’s ‘LiAD: Skills on The Dodds’. Book Now
Monday 25th August – Hallsfell Skills Sessions
There are two sessions available on this day one in the morning and one in the afternoon. These sessions are specifically aimed at those wishing to brush up on their skills over the challenging terrain of Hallsfell Ridge. These sessions will start and finish in Threlkeld. Book Now
Saturday 20th September – Helvellyn to Ambleside
This is the final recce of the series, covering Helvellyn, Fairfield and down to Ambleside. Total distance is around 11 miles with about 6000’feet of ascent. It covers the most of Helvellyn range from Sticks Pass, to Helvellyn, down to the crucial cut-off at Grisedale Hause. Learn how to Leave the Fairfield summit in the right direction (a well known navigation blackspot) and nail the long steady runnable descent to Ambleside.
The start point for this session will be Legburthwaite near Thirlmere to access Sticks Pass via the ‘Stanah Stairlift’. The reasons for this are threefold. Firstly, the slight reduction in distance and ascent gives us more time to learn more about the section, including this ascent route as an escape route for the event day. It also allows us to make use of the public service bus (it’s only £2), another plus on different levels. Book Now
All recce days will include lots of information about the event, suitable clothing gear and shoe choices, what to eat and drink, navigation and route advice, event strategy and training methods.
Each of these recce days are bookable direct with NAV4 Adventure via the SiEntries system. Places are limited as the recce ratio of guide to participant is 1:8 maximum so you are ensured good value and the right pace. Transport provided from each finish point to the start prior to the recce.
Know the route but need to brush up on your mountain or navigational skills?
NAV4 have you covered with their monthly Mountain Skills for Runners one day courses. Here you will gain and develop a full range of skills for safe and efficient off-road running and hiking in hills and mountains. With a big dose of navigation training, we’ll also look at a range of issues from clothing and equipment, route selection, techniques, trail and mountain running ethos, together with the all important safety and environmental issues. Courses are fun and informative: No subject is off limits, and we will help you conquer your fears and enhance your skills. Check out their website for dates and how to book https://www.nav4.co.uk
Venue & Facilities
The Cartmel base for Registration and the Finish Line will be at:
Cartmel Priory School, Headless Cross, Cartmel LA11 7SA
Camping and Car Parking
The Cartmel base for Camping and Car Parking will be at:
Cartmel Racecourse, Cartmel LA11 6QF
Please note there is no coach transfer service back to Caldbeck on Saturday night.
Public Transport links
Cark and Grange Over Sands Railway Stations are only 3 miles from Cartmel. A taxi would be around £20, we suggest you book early as they are only a small railway station
What’s included in the entry fee?
- Professionally organised race
- Full race medical first aid cover
- Live Tracking
- 3 well-stocked feed stations
- Event Finishers T-shirt
- Event Finishers Medal
- Awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd placed male / female
- Age category awards: Senior18-39/V40/V50/V60/V70 male & female
Food
If you are going to cover 50 miles on foot in the Lakes, then you’ll need to fuel up on a bit more than a few jelly babies.
All feed stations will have hot drinks available as well as a range of savoury and sweet treats to power you up the next climb. (Any surplus perishable foods are donated to local food banks and Manna House in Kendal – so we don’t shy from putting out a bit too much!)
Please do let us know if you are gluten free, vegan or have any other dietary requirements. We are happy to ensure there is catering for these dietary requirements. However, you should be aware that we are unable to transport personal food parcels to feed stations whatever your situation. If there is a food item that we don’t provide and it is key to your race, you either need to carry it or consider not entering this event.
Threlkeld Village Hall – Food – Baguettes, Danish Pastries, Fresh Fruit, Cakes, Crisps & Sweets, Hot drinks, Cold Drinks, Full Fat Cola
Ambleside Parish Centre – Food – Hot Pasta, Pizza, Fresh Fruit, Cakes, Crisps & Sweets, Hot Drinks, Cols Drinks, Full Fat Cola
Finsthwaite Village Hall – Food – Hot Soup, Baguettes, Hot Sausage & Cheese + Onions Rolls, Fresh & tinned fruit, Creamed Rice, Crisps, Cakes & Sweets
Runners meal at Cartmel, which is provided as part of your entry fee, will be delicious – gf/veg/vegan options will be available.
There will be event catering at Cartmel School from Friday evening selling food and hot drinks for anybody arriving to camp at the racecourse or coming to register. They will be selling food for breakfast on Saturday morning from 4.45am before the coaches depart at 5.45am prompt. On Saturday afternoon and into Sunday morning as well as providing the runners meal they will also be selling hot food and drinks to any supporters waiting to see friends and family members. The menu for the weekend will be posted here as soon as we have it.
Break the Record!
£500 cash will be on offer to the 1st lady and 1st man to set a new course record. This prize pool is separate for male / female runners, £500 for ladies and £500 for the men.
Current records are;
- Male (Jarlath Mckenna) – 8 hours 40 mins 46 secs ~ 2022
- Female (Jasmin Paris) – 10 hours 19 mins 30 secs ~ 2022
Winners of this prize must have followed the prescribed route and used Hallsfell ridge. If they deviate from the route they must return to where they left the route within 200m. No person who has deviated from the route and been issued with a penalty can be awarded this prize.
Previous Results
Cut offs
Cut offs are generally a dirty word in ultra running, but we do have some generous cut offs in place. For this event, the cut offs are based on a slow jog of 6km/hr, plus 1hr per 1000m of ascent. It is not a walking event, but neither do you have to be a fast runner to compete and complete. If you run the downs, jog the flat and walk the ups you will be fine. Cut offs also assume no more than 30 mins at each feed station.
You must have left the feed stations by the following times:
- Threlkeld – 13.00hrs – AMENDED CUT OFF TIME
- Grisedale Hause – 17.30hrs
- Ambleside – 22:00hrs – AMENDED CUT OFF TIME
- Finsthwaite – 03:30hrs
- Finish Cartmel – 08:00hrs
FAQs
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Make sure you are wearing appropriate footwear for the race as well as comfortable running clothes. Make sure you check the Mandatory Kit list and ensure you are wearing or carrying everything on the list.
CAN I CHANGE MY SHOES AT AMBLESIDE?
As this is a race of two halves we will transport a pair of trainers and socks (only) in a clear bag that will be given to you at registration.
WILL THERE BE A BAG DROP?
There will be a finish bag drop at Cartmel for those wishing to have a change of clothing/shower stuff at the finish. Bags can be dropped at the School Hall in Cartmel on Friday evening or Saturday morning. For those registering at Caldbeck (who have not been to Cartmel) we can transport a small (max. 5kg) to the finish for you.
CAN I USE GPS NAVIGATION?
Yes, however if you plan to use your phone for this purpose you will need to bring a 2nd phone to have as your emergency phone.
CAN I RUN WITH MY DOG?
Sorry, but no.
WHEN CAN I ARRIVE AT THE CAMPSITE?
The campsite will be open from 6pm on Friday night. Please do not arrive before this time.
CAN MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY CAMP WITH ME
Camping is for competitors only, the site will be locked from 6am until 4.30pm on Saturday and movement on and off the campsite will not be permitted
CAN I WEAR HEADPHONES FOR THE EVENT?
Yes, you can use headphones but please do not wear noise cancelling headphones. We would recommend the use of bone conductor headphones to keep your ears free for hearing any instructions that marshals may have. If you are using earbuds please keep your music to a low level so instructions can be heard over and above your music.
WILL I GET A MEDAL?
Yes, there will be a medal for all finishers.
CAN I USE WALKING POLE?
Yes, walking poles are permitted.
WHAT IS THE EXACT ROUTE?
Full route information will be contained within the race booklet which will be available at least 2 weeks prior to the event.
CAN MY FRIENDS/FAMILY SPECTATE?
Yes they can. However, where they do this will be up to them. We would respectfully ask that they DO NOT spectate in Finsthwaite (there just isn’t the room for parking). If they choose to spectate in Threlkeld, then please ask them to use the Cricket Club Car Park due to lack of on street parking. If you are to be cheered on over the finish line then please ask your supporters to park at the Cartmel Race Course and make the short walk to the school where the finish line is located.
CAN I DEFER?
Unfortunately we are unable to offer deferrals. For information on refund options please see Terms & Conditions – Durty Events.
CAN I HAVE A REFUND?
For information on refund options please see Terms & Conditions – Durty Events.
I’VE FORGOTTEN IF I SIGNED UP, CAN YOU CHECK?
No problem, send an email to info@durtyevents.com and we will be happy to help.
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