Scafell Pike Marathon

Sunday 20th July 2025

The Scafell Pike Marathon is located in the heart of the beautiful Borrowdale Valley and finishes at Crow Park in Keswick.

The route is almost all off-road and may well be muddy, we suggest you wear your trail shoes.

All finishers will receive a bespoke medal and free event photographs will be available to download.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Date: Sunday 20th July 2025.

Distance: 27 miles / 44km

Ascent: 1800m Descent: 1790m

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 20 (on race day).

Entry requirements: You do not have to be a super fast runner or an elite athlete to enter, this will be an amazing 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 weather conditions in the mountains for the time of year.

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) Please allow enough time to get from registration to the start if registering on Sunday morning.

Race Safety Briefing: 07.45am at start at Lingholm

Race Start: 8.00am at Lingholm

Finish Location: Crow Park, Lake Road, Keswick

Terrain: Approximately 90% of the route is singletrack trails. The ascent of Scafell Pike has steep, rocky terrain throughout. The summit plateau of Scafell Pike is a vast boulder field. The initial part of the descent is steep and covered with 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. On your return to Seathwaite, follow the marked course to the finish. Navigational devices (GPS units, watches, smartphone 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 i.e. due to a low battery.

Mandatory Kit: There is a mandatory kit list. 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: Feed / water stations at 13km (Seathwaite), 29km (Seathwaite), 37km (Watendlath Beck), toilets at registration and finish area, refreshment van at finish area.

Course: Starting adjacent to Lingholm, the initial section follows the woodland trail towards Hawse End Bay on the shores of Derwentwater. The route then continues alongside the beautiful shoreline weaving its way around the various bays and inlets.

At the south part of the lake, a short road section leads to the picturesque hamlet of Grange. After following the trail along the river Derwent, the first main climb is soon reached as the route ascends through the ancient oak woodlands, a prominent feature of the valley. The second part of the climb is really spectacular, winding its way up alongside the dramatic rocky slopes of Castle Crag.

Reaching the top of the climb is breathtaking in more ways than one as the panoramic views reveal the heart of the Borrowdale Valley. The route bears left at the top onto a fantastic descent towards the village of Rosthwaite.

The second main climb of the course starts soon after Rosthwaite. Following the bridleway, this leads to the picturesque hamlet of Watendlath. Following the river the trail continues along the beautiful Watendlath valley to reach Ashness Wood.

A minor road section descends past Surprise View and the iconic Ashness Bridge, then picking up the singletrack trail traversing below Falcon Crags and into Great Wood. Cross the Borrowdale road, the last section follows the lakeshore trails past Friars Crag and then skirts the shore of the bay back into Crow Park for a well deserved finish.

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 registration barn.