The most picturesque marathon in the UK. The first off road marathon in the Lake District, the 42.2km Lakeland Trails Marathon Race and 42.2km Lakeland Trails Marathon Challenge is an accurately measured marathon course through some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the Lake District. Last year's event was rated "the most scenic trail Marathon in Britain" by Runnersworld magazine.
New for 2012 is the 21.1km Lakeland Trails Half Marathon, utlising the first 15km section of the marathon course as far as Tarn Hows, for those wanting a shorter option
News : The 2012 Marathon event is rapidly filling up and we expect the entry limit to be reached soon, so please enter now to guarantee your place. The new Half Marathon is now being set off in two waves and entry has been re-opened until 31st May - see entry page
Starting and finishing at John Ruskin School in Coniston village (postcode : LA21 8EW), the 42.2km Lakeland Trails Marathon takes in a complete circuit of Coniston Water along well marked and marshalled footpaths and bridleways takes in the idyllic beauty spot of Tarn Hows, and the elevated Beacon Tarn. The whole course gives panoramic views of Lake Coniston and the surrounding peaks of the Old Man, Swirl How, Wetherlam and Dow Crags.
The Marathon Trail is split into TWO events - the Challenge, for less competitive runners, novice trail runners and those who want to take it easy and enjoy the views. The Challenge sets off at 07.00am and you get two hours extra to complete the course. The Race sets off at 09.00am and is for competitive runners, with winners prizes and a shorter time limit.
The Half Marathon Trail sets off at 10.00am, for those wanting a shorter option.
The start and finish arena will be quite a party, with live music, food stalls, trade and retail stands, PA commentary, face painting, bouncy castle, bouncy slide and other entertainments.
Underfoot conditions are generally good for those used to off road running. Please check out the slide-show of the course.
The course has kilometre markers and water & nutrition stations along the route. There are some great prizes on offer for the trail race, and winners prizes in the veteran classes. All the finishers of the Marathon receive a specially designed Lakeland Trails event memento and will have a chance of winning one of the spot prizes donated by local businesses.
There are children's Fun Trails too for under 12's - short laps around the finish arena for all abilities. Every child gets a finisher's medal.
For general questions please email the Lakeland Trails Team
