The first Lake District Running Festival, created by OMM and Grasmere Gallop, exceeded expectations with over 1,800 participants and inspiring stories of triumph
The first-ever Lake District Running Festival took place in the picturesque village of Grasmere over the weekend of May 31st – June 1st. The newly combined event brought together the established Grasmere Gallop Trail Races with the OMM Lite Trail Quest, creating an unprecedented celebration of trail running, adventure, and community spirit.
The festival’s mission to highlight the joys of different types of running in the Lake District was fulfilled in spectacular fashion, providing a packed schedule of activities that kept trail runners and families engaged throughout the entire weekend.
Marathon Men’s Record Falls
The weekend’s most thrilling moment came during the Grasmere Gallop Marathon, which takes on 42k of the Lake District’s most challenging terrain. Despite persistent rain that added an extra layer of difficulty to the already tough course, the weather couldn’t dampen the spirits of the determined field.
Tom Smith emerged as the standout performer of the weekend, leading from the front with a commanding display of fell running ability. Looking relaxed and composed throughout the course, Smith powered through the terrain to storm across the finish line in a time of 3:49:33 – officially breaking the 4-hour barrier and setting a new Men’s Course Record for the route.
“Tom’s performance was absolutely outstanding,” said Alistair from The OMM. “To break four hours on that course, especially in those conditions, shows the calibre of athlete we’re attracting to this festival. It’s exactly the kind of inspiring achievement we hoped to see.”
In the women’s race, Heather Tait came over the line as first women, in a time of 5:09.
Alice & Matilda’s Charitable Efforts for Red Squirrels
The festival’s commitment to the local community was beautifully demonstrated through the fundraising efforts of participants Alice and Matilda, who tackled the challenging 5k route with a mission beyond personal achievement. The determined duo raised an incredible £265 for the Grasmere Red Squirrel Conservation Group, highlighting their passion for protecting the area’s precious wildlife.
“We felt so strongly about protecting this beautiful native animal that calls the Lake District home,” explained the fundraising pair.
Their efforts exemplify the festival’s broader ethos of celebrating not just athletic achievement, but also environmental stewardship and community connection.
Age is Just a Number: Inspiring 80+ Duo Complete 5k Together
Perhaps the most heartwarming story of the weekend came from Brian and Margaret Kidger, a remarkable couple who proved that adventure has no age limit. Both in their 80s, the inspiring pair completed the 5.7km course together, demonstrating that the Lake District Running Festival truly offers something for everyone.
Back For 2026
The Lake District Running Festival will be back in 2026, 29th – 31st May, Entries to be released in July!
