Scafell Pike Marathon
July 2026
The Scafell Pike Marathon is located in the heart of the beautiful Borrowdale Valley, with the route going over Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain and finishes at Crow Park in Keswick.
All finishers will receive a bespoke medal and free event photographs will be available to download.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Date: July 2026.
Distance: 27 miles / 44km
Location: Crow Park, Lake Road, Keswick, CA12 5DJ
Entry prices: £54 (£2 discount for UKA Affiliated Runners) The minimum age limit for this event is 18 (on race day).
Registration: at Crow Park, Lake Road, Keswick.
Registration will be open from 14:00 - 16:00 on Saturday 19th July and from 05:00 - 07:00 on Sunday 20th July
Start location: The event will start from the track adjacent to the entrance / car park at Lingholm, CA12 5TZ (NGR 251 223)
Race Safety Briefing: 07.45am at start at Lingholm
Race Start: 8.00am at Lingholm
Finish Location: Crow Park, Lake Road, Keswick
Entry Requirements: You do not have to be a super fast runner or an elite athlete to enter, this will be an awesome challenge if you're looking to push yourself that bit further! However, the event is not suitable for novice trail runners as the terrain incorporates tough mountain trails and the ability to navigate the route is essential. It is important that you are prepared and equipped for the mountain terrain and weather conditions for the time of year.
Terrain: Approximately 90% of the route is singletrack trails. The ascent of Scafell Pike is steep, rocky terrain with the summit plateau being a vast boulder field. The initial part of the descent is steep and covered in loose rocks.
Navigation: The course will be marked from the start to Seathwaite. The mountain section between Seathwaite, Styhead, Scafell Pike, Esk Hause, Styhead and Seathwaite will be unmarked. Although the route follows the main trails, the ability to navigate will be essential on this section. Returning to Seathwaite, continue to follow the marked course to the finish. Navigational devices (GPS units, watches, smartphones etc.) are permitted and a route GPX file will be available to download. If you are unfamiliar with the area it is recommended that you use such a device to assist with navigation. All that we ask is that you are competent with your navigational skills in the event of the device failing, for example due to low battery.
Compulsory Kit: We strongly recommend that participants dress appropriately for the conditions with suitable clothing and footwear. Ensure you carry sufficient personal nutrition and drinks with you for the full route and do not rely on the water / feed stations as your only supply.
Facilities: water / feed stations at 13km (Seathwaite), 27km (Seathwaite), 37km (Watendlath Beck) and finish, toilets at registration and finish area, refreshment van at finish area. Drop bags for your personal nutrition will be available available for participants and transported to the aid staion at Seathwaite. To help minimise waste you need to bring your own water bottle, bladder or eco cup.
Course: Starting adjacent to Lingholm, the route follows woodland trails alongside the beautiful shore of Derwentwater and continues along to the picturesque village of Grange. Leaving Grange the first climb of the day is reached as you head up Castle Crag. The route continues through Seatoller to reach the hamlet of Seathwaite and the first feed location. The course will be marked to this point.
From Seathwaite, crossing the old packhorse bridge over Stockley Beck, the route now ventures into the heart of the high fells. A steep, pitched climb leads to Styhead Tarn and Styhead Pass (1601'). The next section involves the ascent of the infamous Corridor Route. This is a testing, rocky trail that makes a spectacular rising traverse across some of the most rugged rock scenery in England. With Wasdale far below, it traverses under the dramatic crags of Great End and Broad Crag, crossing a number of deep ravines, climbing up a series of rock slabs and paths to eventually lead to the summit of Scafell Pike.
At an elevation of 3,209' Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England. From the summit the route descends to Broad Crag col before continuing its high level traverse past Broad Crag and Ill Crag leading down towards Esk Hause. Located at 2,490' this is the highes pass in the Lake District. Descend from Esk Hause past Sprinkling Tarn to reach Styhead Pass, retracing the route back to Seathwaite.
Refuel at the feed station at Seathwaite then cross the valley floor, rejoining the marked route to reach the village of Rosthwaite. A testing final ascent from Rosthwaite leads to the beautiful isolated hamlet of Watendlath. The route follows the trail alongside Watendlath Beck to reach the final feed station. A minor road section descends past Surprise View and Ashness Bridge, then picking up the singletrack trail below Falcon Crag and into Great Wood. The last section follows the lakeshore trails to the finish at Crow Park.
Checkpoints:
Seathwaite - 13km
Sty Head - 17km
Scafell Pike Summit - 21km
Esk Hause - 23km
Sty Head - 25km
Seathwaite - 29km
Watendlath - 36km
Race Permit: Issued by the Trail Running Association, permit pending. This race will be held in accordance with UK Athletics rules.
Prizes: Prizes will be awarded to the first three finishers in the male and female open categories, and for first place in each of the age group categories. Prizegiving will take place at the finish area.