Frequently Asked Questions

Our most frequently asked questions. If your question isn't answered below please contact us.

Why are t-shirts now an add on to my entry?

If you're like us, you may have a cupboard (or two) full of event t-shirts that you've picked up because they're 'free'. The impact of micro-plastics and over-consumption is well-known and we want to reduce the amount of resources we use / waste.

We didn't raise our prices this year to cover the huge increased cost of t-shirts and we don't think it's fair to pass that cost on to those of you who don't want a t-shirt (almost 25% of you chose the BiodiversiTee option in 2023).

By giving you a significant saving on your entry fee for not taking the t-shirt option, we hope that you will consider not collecting one at every event you take part in and still feel you're getting a great-value day out on the Lakeland Trails.

Remember, there's more to our events than just running for the t-shirt - amazing views; interactions with our wonderful Lakeland Trails 'family' whilst you're taking part; live music; and your FREE professional photo after the event (as well as all of the boring essentials like advanced life support medics...just in case).

We're still going to have high-quality, professionally designed tees that you'll want to wear (and there won't be any beige ones) if you choose to pay for one.

I've entered the Ultra, what about my t-shirt?

As we took the decision to separate the t-shirt cost from the entry price some time after the 2024 Ultra entry had opened, it will continue to be included in the price of the entry and it is still possible to choose the BiodiversiTee option.

I deferred my entry to 2025. What will happen to my t-shirt choice?

Whichever choice you made when you entered the event will be carried forward with your entry. If you ordered a t-shirt, you will still receive one; if you chose the BiodiversiTee option, we will still make the contribution to our sustainability fund.

What colour will my event t-shirt be?

We're in the chicken and egg situation of only being able to decide the t-shirt colour once we know how many we're going to order. We can't decide until the option to add a t-shirt has closed (around 4 weeks before the event). We will continue to have high quality designs and will always guarantee the t-shirt won't be beige!

We've kept the t-shirt price as low as possible since there's the element of surprise in the design.

Do I need to read a map?

No! Our course marking teams heads out the day before the event to put out race route signs and flags to guide you along the fixed course (usually on well-defined trails). On race day, our amazing, friendly marshals are out in force along the trails to direct and encourage you.

For the Ultra routes, we supply the gpx files for you to upload to your watch for added re-assurance.

What prizes are awarded in each event?

All prize winners receive a free place in the next year's event as well as a prize voucher.

Trail Race (please note: prizes are not awarded to runners in the Trail Challenge start)

OPEN Category 1st, 2nd & 3rd Male & Female

VET 40, 50, 60, 70 Classes 1st Male & Female

10K (please note: prizes are not awarded for the 10K Early Start)

OPEN Category 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Male & Female

VET 40, 50, 60, 70 & 80 Classes 1st Male & Female

OPEN Category 1st Male & Female

U16 Category 1st Boy and Girl (who also win a cash prize)

If a VET is classified in the Open Category, they will be awarded the Open Category prize only. If an U16 is first in the 5K, they will be classed as the overall winner.

In those cases, VET / U16 prizes will not be awarded to the second-placed people in the categories.

Prizes are handed out in the Prize Giving Ceremony at the end of the event, giving everyone to celebrate in the success of the winners, whether they're the first in the Race, the fastest boy or girl in the 5k, or the first (and usually only) Vet 80. It's also a great opportunity to inspire younger runners.

Winners will automatically receive their entry for the next year's event but prize vouchers will only be handed out at the event - they won't be posted or emailed out.

What's the difference between 'Regular' and 'BiodiversiTee' entry?

We want to encourage runners to consider if they need another event t-shirt so have two options available. Regular entry is one which includes an event t-shirt. We are able to keep BiodiversiTee entry open long because of t-shirt lead times.

How do I update my details?

It's important to keep your contact details (including your address), and those of your emergency contact up-to-date. Please follow these simple steps to check them:

Go to the 'Competitors' area of your account
Click on 'Edit Details' for your profile and check the information
Check the information for anyone you have registered in your account

What is the difference between the 10k, Challenge, Early Start and Race events?

The 10k Trail - This takes place in the morning at every venue and provides a great opportunity for the novice or rookie trail runner to sample our events; as well as offering the more experienced competitors the chance to really put their foot down!
The Challenge - Using the exactly the same course as the Race, this provides less competitive runners the chance to tackle the day's longer-distance course. This sets off one hour before the race and is ideal for those wanting to take it easy and enjoy the views with a generous 3 1/2 hour cut off time. We request that runners expecting to take less than 1 1/2 hours to complete the distance enter the Race so our Crew have a well-earned break.
The Early Start allows runners and walkers to set off before the main Trail Run10k . You get an extra 15 minutes to complete your race; and you'll get encouragement from the later runners as they pass and congratulate for your progress. For safety reasons, this option is not available at all events (to minimise the time traffic is held on live roads).
The Race - Setting off an hour afterward the Challenge, but taking in exactly the same course, this event is designed for the more competitive amongst us and attracts a great range of abilities, from elite international athletes and club runners, to those who run regularly and want to test themselves against the clock.

Please note, competitors in the Early Start and Challenge events are not eligible for the Open Category or V40-60 prizes so we can preserve the sense of competition. The fastest V70 will be determined by the time in either the Challenge or Race.

What sort of shoes should I wear?

We highly recommend wearing specific trail shoes for all of our events, as a good grip will help with both the up and downhill. If you are just beginning to take your running off-road a general purpose trail shoe would be ideal.

What is the minimum age to be to be able to enter?

The 5k Trail - 12 years old
The 10k Trail - 16 years old
The Challenge - 18 years old
The Race - 18 years old
Half Marathon & Marathon - 18 years old

Is there an event for children?

Making sure the kids aren't left out, our children's Fun Trails usually takes place over lunchtime, when mum or dad has the chance to encourage the little ones around a 0.5k flat trail course alongside or in front of Zeraffa the Giraffe, the long-lost cousin of the much-loved Gerry. These short fun runs for children under 12 are about having fun and taking part in a big arena and all finishers are rewarded with their very own special medal.

Do you provide maps of the courses?

We'd love all of our Lakeland Trailers to access race day maps for all of our courses. However, because some of our routes cross private land, which we work hard to secure access to, we are keen for people not to run the course in advance of the event. Where we can provide maps, you'll find these on the 'course' section of each event.

Can I switch from one contest at an event to another?

If you want to swap to a different contest with the same entry price, you can do so through your account HERE up until the Sunday evening before the event.

Between Sunday and Thursday of the week running up to the event, you can email mail@lakelandtrails.org to request a change.

Any later than that, please visit the Enquiries desk at Registration on the day, at least 45 minutes before the earliest start of your current and desired contest. e.g. if you'd like to swap from the 13:15 Challenge to the 14:00 Race, the cut-off would be 12:30.

Can I transfer or cancel my entry?

You can find full details of our cancellation and refunds policy here. The deadline for cancellation or transfer is 4 weeks before the event to enable us to finalise our preparations.

We've made it really easy for you to move your entry:

Click on 'Entries'

Click on 'Actions' next to the entry to swap

Click on 'Transfer'

Make a choice

Are dogs allowed?

Dogs are not allowed on any of courses. Many of our trails are on narrow paths and it wouldn't be fair or safe for the other competitors if they had to negotiate a runner and a dog on a lead at the same time, especially if the dog decided to stop suddenly.

If you usually run in the countryside with a dog, please keep it on a lead to protect livestock and keep farmers happy. Sheep are easily frightened by dogs to such an extent that a pregnant ewe could miscarry and die (it happens more often than you might think). They're not the brightest of animals (we've all been stuck trying to get past them on the Lakeland roads!) so they don't know that a dog won't harm them.

Dogs are allowed at most of our venues as long as they are kept in their lead and, which goes without saying, any poop is scooped.

What do I get for my entry fee?

Finish any one of our senior races and as well as enjoying amazing trail running in an awesome part of the world, you'll receive:

Free Facebook access to all photos taken by professional photographer James Kirby
Event safety cover provided by Event Safety Group advanced life support medics and our in-house Comms team
Race commentary, live music and entertainment
Water stations / feedstations (subject to distance and any restrictions)
Entry to Spot Prize draws for the chance to win some great prizes
Free children's race with Zeraffa the Giraffe (weather permitting)
Race day discounts on footwear and clothing from our Event Retailer
All wrapped up with an unforgettable day out

Your entry fee also includes VAT, contributes to the ongoing administration costs associated with putting on the events such as staff wages, purchasing, storing & maintaining equipment, transporting equipment to events, online entry administration fee, card transaction fees and insurance.

Do you keep waiting lists for full events?

We don't keep waiting lists for events because we usually fill any places created by cancellations with entries for our marshals and volunteers to thank them for their support. If any extra places were to be released, we would announce it on our Facebook page and our website.

How do I drive on wet fields?

Quite often we use fields for our car parking sites. Sometimes, the weather gets the better of us and the ground becomes a bit soft. The best way to drive on ground like this is very gently with your wheels facing straight. Slow and steady is the best way to go because if you start to rev the engine, it will just cause the wheels to spin and create a trench which you may struggle to extricate yourself from without assistance. If you've got a diesel, you should be able to start moving in second gear with your right foot off the gas; with a petrol engine, use as little gas as possible to start moving. Once you're moving, don't be tempted to increase your speed if the grounds flat and steer gently to avoid any obvious dips or extra-muddy sections.