Starting and finishing at Coniston Hall Landing Point on the shores of Coniston Water, the Lakeland Trails Marathon takes in a complete circuit of Coniston Water along fully marked and marshalled footpaths and bridleways. Taking in the idyllic beauty spot of Tarn Hows and the elevated Beacon Tarn, the whole course gives panoramic views of Coniston Water and the surrounding peaks of the Old Man, Swirl How, Wetherlam and Dow Crags. Described by Runners' World magazine as 'the most scenic trail Marathon in Britain' this event is quickly becoming a classic European trail marathon.
For those wanting a shorter option, the Lakeland Trails Half Marathon utilises the first 17km section of the marathon course as far as Tarn Hows, before heading back to Coniston. The Lakeland Trails Mini Marathon 10K utilises the beautiful Torver Trail route from 2014, starting and finishing from Land's Point in Coniston.
A carnival atmosphere is guaranteed for both spectators and competitors, with live music, race commentary, food and drink all available at the start and finish. So, whether you're new to trail running, an experienced athlete, or simply looking for an unforgettable day out in the Lake District, a family-friendly, festival atmosphere and some amazing trail running awaits you!
11.15am
For both competitive and casual runners, a well-marked and marshalled 10K course with fast, graded runnable climbs and descents for those used to off road running. There is a time limit of 2 hours for the 10K and to enter you must be at least 18 years old.
10.00am
An event for less competitive runners and fitness walkers. If you want to take it easy and enjoy the views, this is the one for you. There is a time limit of 4 hours for the Challenge and to enter you must be at least 18 years old.
11.00am
For the competitive runner, a well marked and marshalled course with fast, graded runnable climbs and descents for those used to off road running. There is a time limit of 3 hours for the Race and to enter you must be at least 18 years old.
07.00am
REGISTRATION IS ONLY OPEN ON THE SATURDAY FOR THIS START TIME - this is due to the early time and restrictions imposed on us by stakeholders. If you can only Register on the day itself, please choose a later start time. An event for less competitive runners and fitness walkers. If you want to take it easy and enjoy the views, this is the one for you. There is a time limit of 8 hours for the Challenge and to enter you must be at least 18 years old.
08.00am
An event for less competitive runners and fitness walkers. If you want to take it easy and enjoy the views, this is the one for you. There is a time limit of 7 hours for the Challenge and to enter you must be at least 18 years old. We would advise you register on the Saturday to get your race off to a relaxed start but Registration will also be open for a short time on the Sunday morning for this event.
09.00am
For the competitive runner, a well marked and marshalled course with fast, graded runnable climbs and descents for those used to off road running. There is a time limit of 6 hours for the Race and to enter you must be at least 18 years old.
Share your day on Instagram with #lakelandtrails
We are happy to make any last-minute swaps if you either drop us an email before Wednesday 7th June or visit the Enquiries desk at least 45 minutes before the scheduled time of the earlier event starts (your current one and the one you'd like to swap to).
Our comprehensive Event 2023 Guide is available for reference.
Please note, registration for each race closes 45 minutes before your scheduled start time apart from the 7am Marathon Challenge (Registatration ONLY open on Saturday for this)
We won't be holding a Safety Briefing as all of the ESSENTIAL information is covered below.
✅ Follow the postcode LA21 8AS to Coniston and then follow our car park signs
✅ All day parking is £4
✅If the ground is soft, use LOW revs and set off in a straight line
❌Only SMALL vans (max. VW Transporter) are permitted on our event parking (anything bigger can park on the campsite - please pay the site direct)
❌ NO ARRIVAL AFTER 10am or EXIT before 12.30pm or we'll cause traffic jams. Please park in the village on Saturday if you are registering
✅ Race number to be collected on the day AT LEAST 45 minutes before your Start Time
✅Your race number must be attached HORIZONTALLY or the timing chip won’t be read
✅ Set off at your allocated time or you won't show on the Results
✅You can swap your entry to the Race, Challenge, 10k at least 45 minutes before the earliest Start Time of the two (e.g. if you want to swap from the 1pm Challenge to the 2pm Race, 12:15pm is the deadline).
✅To arrange this, contact us up to the Wednesday before the event or in person at Registration on event day.
✅ Carry your own water or bring your own cup for the water stations on course or by the marquee
✅ If you arrive at a closed gate, please close it behind you – there will be lambs in the fields
✅ If you find the terrain is tricky, be prepared to slow down so that you can negotiate it safely
❌No over ear or in ear headphones (bone conducting ones permitted)
❌Snot rockets or spitting on the course
❌No pushing past other runners
✅ Have a wonderful day
Make sure you follow the route!
You will do a complete loop around Tarn Hows so please be directed by marshals and make sure you run past the flying banner and timing mat ONCE!
If you've run before, please note there isn't an aid station next to Tarn Hows; it's now located a short distance after the tarn.
This is a water station for Half Marathon runners which you will approach first (at 14.4k on the Half course). Marathon runners - please don't use this as we have a water and feed station for you just 1km further on (at 18.2k).
Toilets
We had reports of people doing unpleasant things outside a holiday cottage in 2021 - please be considerate!
As well as facilities at Coniston Old Hall, there will be a Portaloo just after the second feedstation on the Marathon course (at approx. 18.5k) and toilets at the third feedstation at Water Yeat (31k).
Event Timetable
Saturday 10th June 2023
14.00 - 17.00 Registration opens in the marquee
Sunday 11th June 2023
06.30: Car park opens at the event parking at Coniston Showground, Land's Point, Coniston Old Hall
07.00: Registration opens
07.00: START: Marathon Trail Challenge (8 hr time limit - register on Saturday only)
08.00: START: Marathon Trail Challenge (7 hr time limit - registration on Saturday advised)
09.00: START: Marathon Trail Race
10.00: START: Half Marathon Trail Challenge
11.00: START: Half Marathon Trail Race
11.15: START: Mini Marathon 10k
14.15 : Children's Fun Trails
14.30 Après Trails live music with singer /
songwriter Pete Lashley
15.30 Prize & Spot Prize Giving
The event requires over 100 marshals and stewards, so if you want to volunteer to help us in any way we would love to hear from you. Check out our volunteers' page for more details.
With bus prices are capped at just £2 per journey until 30th June, why not relax and take in the views along the route, save on the cost of parking and reduce your carbon footprint?
Coniston is on the 505 Bus Route from Kendal and the bus stop is only a few minute's walk from Coniston Old Hall. You can find the latest timetable HERE
Send us a photo of your public transport ticket for all or part of your journey and we'll award one lucky winner at each event with a FREE ENTRY to a future event. Email your photos HERE
The environmental impact of travelling by car is much reduced if it's full so why not join up with your friends / running club members to travel together? There's always plenty to do in and around our venue and visiting local businesses helps support them too. Visit our Car Share group on Facebook HERE to start planning!