The Maverick Lakes X-Trail 2026
Saturday 19 September 2026 | Grasmere Lakeland Sports & Show
Maverick Race heads north for our 5th year, to bring you a trail running adventure in the stunning Lake District. With its rugged fells, stunning glacial ribbon lakes, market towns and historic literary associations, the Lake District is one of the most iconic locations in the UK.
The route starts in Grasmere and takes you on a rugged climb towards Easdale Tarn and then on to the impressive Stickle Tarn, which is set in a wide bowl and overlooked by Pavey Ark and Harrison Stickle, these peaks once formed part of the rim of a wide volcano.
Continuing on your epic trail run, you head back down the Cumbria way towards Greater Langdale where you follow the river and make your way towards Loughrigg Tarn. These trails are so incredibly stunning you will lose yourself in the ancient woodlands. Please note, there is no outpost on the Short route.
In true Maverick fashion, the adventure isn’t over - there is one final sting in the tail with a mighty climb to the top of Rydal Head and the Fairfield Horseshoe. Soak up the incredible views from this famous summit and bask in the glory of your efforts, from here it’s a technical descent back to the venue in Grasmere where friends, family and other Mavericks await your arrival. All 4 routes are gnarly and you'll expect some hard climbs, technical descents and epic views. If you're looking for a challenging run, with a taste of proper mountain running. . . this is the one for you!
Please note, due to the technical terrain this is not a dog-friendly event.
We are proud to be supporting Fix the Fells, with £1 from every entry going towards helping to maintain these wonderful trails.
We look forward to seeing you toe the line on this incredible route.
#adventureawaits
Trusted accommodation:
Looking for somewhere to stay? Check out the below accommodation options who are situated right on the run route!
Rydal Hall, less than 10minute drive from the event site and lots of fantastic accommodation options for all budgets; https://www.rydalhall.org/stay/camp-site/
Neaum Crag Services, 15 - 20minute drive from the event site offering beautiful self Catering Lodges sleeping 2 - 6, dog friendly with free Wi-Fi and Complimentary use of onsite swimming pool. Set in 18 acres of ancient English Woodland all on their own individual plot; www.neaumcragservices.co.uk
LOCATION
Grasmere Lakeland Sports & Shows,
Stock Lane, Grasmere,
Ambleside,
LA22 9SL
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ROUTES
50k Ultra: 52 km
Marathon: 43 km
Half Marathon: 25 km
Middle: 14 km
Short: 9 km
See Route Info
DETAILS
Gates open: 07:00am
Registration: 07:00am
Start times:
50k Ultra & Marathon: 08:00am
Half Marathon, Middle & Short: 09:00am
DIFFICULTY
Stunning varied terrain, from steep rocky climbs and very technical descents.
About our ratings
Entry Price
Enter any 3 races from any series, or 3 entries into this event, and get 20% off
50k Ultra
Distance: 52 km
Elevation: +2858 m- $123.45/pp
Marathon
Distance: 43 kmElevation: +2367 m- $109.58/pp
Half Marathon
Distance: 25 kmElevation: +1131 m- $67.97/pp
Middle
Distance: 14 kmElevation: +617 m- $54.10/pp
Short
Distance: 9 kmElevation: +386 m- $34.68/pp
Online entry closes on Tuesday 15th September 2026 at 11am. On the day entries will be available if the event is not sold out.
All entries are subject to a small booking fee.
Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a participating adult.
Due to the technical terrain at this event, runners will not be allowed to take part with a dog.
Sign up for Free!
You can enter the 50k Ultra route (52k) for free if you pledge to raise £250 or more for Alzheimer's Research UK. All you have to do is click the button below to register with ARUK, set up your fundraising page and receive your first donation. After that, you'll be sent a code to sign up for the 50k Ultra route for free.
There is a limited number of free places that will be awarded on a first come first serve basis.
By taking part, you’re not just running – you’re helping bring us closer to finding a cure for dementia.
The Routes
Choose your route carefully. The distance and elevation gain should give you some indication as to how easy/hard each route is, as well as showing you where the tougher climbs are.
Official Retail Partner of Maverick Race
Pro:Direct Running and Maverick Race are collaboratively working together to bring a curated and guided range of the best Trail running products to Maverick runners. With Trail races varying in distances from 5 km up to 102 km, whether you are new to Trail or an experienced Ultra runner, Pro:Direct Running has a substantial selection of footwear, clothing, accessories and nutrition for whatever your needs across these distances and trail terrains.
What you get
More Information
CUT OFF POINTS & TIMES
These are in place for your safety and apply to the 50k Ultra & Marathon route only. Your safety is our priority - There is no flexibility on cut off times. If you arrive at the outpost after the cut off time, you will be taken back to the finish venue, this is a non-negotiable. You must leave the outpost before the cut off time.
The below time allows you 11 hours to complete the route.
Start: Grasmere Showground (0km), 08:00
1: Stickle Barn (10.5km), 11:20
2: Neaum Crag Lodges (19.5km), 12:30
3: Rydal Hall (27km), 13:50
4: Kirkstone Pass (37km), 15:30
Finish: Grasmere Showground (52km), 19:00
OUTPOSTS
There will be no outpost on the Middle or Short route. There will be 2 outpost on the Half Marathon route (approx 10.5km & 19.5km). There will be 3 outposts on the Marathon route (approx 10.5km, 19.5km & 27km). There will be 4 outposts on the 50k Ultra route (approx 10.5km, 19.5km, 27km & 37km). The outposts are designed to act as a top-up for what you are already carrying. There will be a range of sweet & savoury snacks (fruit, cake, crisps) as well as gels and electrolyte drink.
PLASTIC FREE
In an effort to keep our trails clean and preserve the nature around us, we’re aiming to keep our outposts cup-free. Please bring a cup or bottle to refill. Speed Cups are available to purchase at each event and online.
HEADPHONES
We strongly recommend not wearing headphones at this event, but if you do want to listen to your tunes whilst on the trials, we recommend bone conduction headphones.
TRANSFERS
If you need to transfer out from this event, you can do this via your Let's Do This account. You can't transfer if the event has sold out. The last day to transfer out of an event is the Monday before event day (5 days before the event). Please refer to our Terms & Conditions to read more about Transfers.
GET THE SUPPORT THAT YOU NEED AS A RUNNER WITH TAILORED PLANS TO ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS, FROM TRAINING FOR A FASTER 5K TO YOUR FIRST MARATHON. USE REFERRAL CODE MAVERICKEVENTS TO UNLOCK YOUR EXCLUSIVE OFFER!
Essential Items
PLEASE PACK:
These items are mandatory for the 50k ULTRA & MARATHON routes
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof trousers or leggings
Additional long sleeve base layer top
Mobile phone (in case of emergency)
800 Calories (equivalent of 2 bars and 2 gels)
Minimum of 1 litre of water
Self-adhesive elastic bandage
Foil blanket
Hat or buff
Gloves
Head torch & spare batteries
A reusable cup
GPX of the route (on watch or phone (IOS / Android)
These items are mandatory for HALF MARATHON & MIDDLE routes
Waterproof jacket
Mobile phone (in case of emergency)
800 Calories (equivalent of 2 bars and 2 gels)
Minimum of 1 litre of water
Self-adhesive elastic bandage
Whistle
Foil blanket
Hat or buff
A reusable cup
GPX of the route (on watch or phone (IOS / Android)
Getting to the Race
By Car
Free parking is available at the venue.
Free parking is available at the venue.
By Train
Nearest Train Station: Windermere (20 min drive from start venue)
Southern Railway: London Euston - Windermere
Journey Time: Approx 3hr 20
Nearest Train Station: Windermere (20 min drive from start venue)
Southern Railway: London Euston - Windermere
Journey Time: Approx 3hr 20
By Taxi
Lakeside Taxis
Windermere - 01539 488 888
Kendal - 01539 239 239
Lakeside Taxis
Windermere - 01539 488 888
Kendal - 01539 239 239
