Windermere Marathon takes runners on a scenic lap of the lake

Few marathons can offer views like the Windermere Marathon. The race follows a 26.2-mile anti-clockwise circuit of Windermere, passing through Hawkshead, Newby Bridge, Bowness-on-Windermere and Ambleside along the way.

It is a road race, but no gentle one. The route has around 600 metres of elevation gain, with rolling lanes on the western side of the lake and long stretches where runners can lift their eyes to the fells.

The 2026 race took place on Sunday 14 June and was reported to have sold out, a sign of how popular the event has become with runners from across the country.

For many years the marathon was run by the Brathay Trust, the charity whose name has long been linked with the event. Since 2025 it has been organised by The Great Run Company, with the Brathay Trust continuing to benefit from the fundraising.

That charitable link remains an important part of the race's character. Many runners take part to raise money, and the support from spectators in the villages along the route reflects the goodwill the event has built up over the years.

The marathon-only format gives the day a focused feel. There is no shorter race running alongside, so everyone on the start line shares the same challenge of completing a full lap of the lake. That shared experience creates a strong sense of camaraderie, with runners encouraging one another up the climbs and celebrating together at the finish. Many say the scenery helps carry them through the hardest miles, as each bend in the road reveals another view across the water.

For visitors, the race weekend is also a chance to enjoy the Lake District in early summer, when long evenings and green fells make for a memorable post-race celebration.

Whether running for a personal best or simply to say they have run around Windermere, participants come away with a story to tell.

The 2027 Windermere Marathon is listed for Sunday 13 June 2027, and entry details are available through the organiser's online booking channels.