Taste the Lakes half marathon
Sunday, 13 September 2026 · Greystoke, Penrith, England, United Kingdom
Event summary
Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the Taste the Lakes Half Marathon, hosted by Long Run Collective! On Sunday, September 13, 2026, join fellow runners and walkers in Penrith, Cumbria, for a unique 13.1-mile journey that blends fitness with fun and flavors. Set against the stunning backdrop of Greystoke Castle, this charity event is not just about crossing the finish line; it's about enjoying delicious pitstops along the way while supporting a noble cause. Each step you take helps raise vital funds for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy research, making every bite and sip count towards a brighter future for affected families. This year, we're embracing the vibrant spirit of the 1980s with a fabulous fancy dress theme! So, dust off those shell suits, sweatbands, and leg warmers, and get ready to strut your stuff in style. Whether you go subtle or full-on retro, your costume could win you an amazing prize! After completing the race, keep the energy flowing at our 80s disco, where you can dance the night away to iconic tunes and celebrate your achievements. Join us for a day filled with joy, community, and a whole lot of fun at the Taste the
About this event
The half marathon that decided that 13.1 miles should be less about split times and more about snack times. Mac My Day is the proud host of Cumbria's most delicious and most joy-filled charity run, all set against the historic backdrop of Greystoke Castle. Walkers and runners will come together to cross Cumbria's fells and forests, complete with mouth-watering pitstops. You get to taste your way round the course. But we're not just here for the scenery and the snacks (although they're both top tier). Every step, sip, and bite helps raise money for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a life-limiting condition that affects thousands of families across the UK. Our mission is simple: to fuel hope, fund vital research, and support the incredible people working tirelessly for better treatments and brighter futures. Feeling bold? This year we're rewinding to the era of neon, mixtapes, and glorious big hair. Our 2026 fancy dress theme is Back to the 80s — and everyone's invited to join the fun. Think shell suits, sweatbands, crimped hair, leg warmers, and all the retro flair your inner aerobics icon can handle. Go subtle, go wild, or go full power ballad — it's completely optional, but it always brings extra smiles to the trail. Plus the best fancy dress costume wins an amazing prize! And once you've crossed that finish line, we're keeping the good vibes rolling with an 80s disco to round off the day. Big tunes, big colours, and plenty of space for those classic moves (if your legs are still up for it).
Distances & Prices
| Distance | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Taste the Lakes Trail Half Marathon - Run | £70.00 | open |
| Taste the Lakes Trail Half Marathon - Walk | £70.00 | open |
Timings
| Type | Time |
|---|---|
| Race start time | 09:30 |
What's included
Feed stations with produce and beverages from Cumbrian sponsors such as Lakes Soda, Jennings Brewery, Booths and many more Bespoke Medal Finish line disco
The course
It is all off road, first section is through off road farm tracks but don't worry you are not passing through livestock which is on a gentle incline, you then enter the woods and are on a wide forest track with sections of flat, ascents and descents. It is a circular lap in the forest and then out and back along the farm track.
Getting there
Car to Greystoke, or Train to Penrith and then a 10min bus or taxi to Greystoke
Parking
Parking is available in the grounds of Greystoke Castle, postcode CA11 0TG. It will cost £5 to park a vehicle and if you can carpool with others, even better for your wallet and the environment.
Gallery
FAQs
What time does it start?
We will start the walkers off first at 9.30am and the runners at 10am
Do I have to run the whole thing?
Nope! Run, jog, walk, stroll – it's your adventure. Everyone's welcome. However, there will be a cutoff time of 5½ hours to keep you moving
Where does it take place?
The race starts and finishes in the beautiful grounds of Greystoke Castle, taking you through country tracks before heading into Greystoke Forest. It is a circular loop.
Is the event timed?
This isn't a "heads down" race and no timing chips will be issued but everyone will get an official time and a result. There will be delicious prizes the first man and woman home, the best dressed, as well as a number of spot prizes but it's about enjoying the journey, the flavours, and the fun.
What kind of treats are available at the feed stations?
Expect a mix of local treats that are mainly liquid based with a few tasty morsels to soak it all up from some of the region's best producers.
What is included in my entry?
Your race place, all tasting-stop treats, a medal, a donation to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy research, and a whole lot of smiles. And a disco at the finish.
Will there be toilets on route?
Yes there are toilets at the start / finish and in certain points around the route
I am coming for the weekend, where should I stay?
Greystoke village is a gorgeous place to stay on the edge of the Lake District. There are a number of Airbnb options, as well as bed and breakfasts. If you're making a weekend of it, Whitbarrow is a holiday resort offering self-catering accommodation just three miles from the start of the race. Ullswater Heights offers holiday lodges a few minutes' drive from Greystoke. The nearest town, Penrith, also has a number of options including a Premier Inn, Travel Lodge and the North Lakes Hotel.
Who can take part?
We welcome walkers, runners, and everyone in between, but there is a 5½ hour cut-off time to keep the day moving. Please note: this is an over-18s event due to alcohol being served at some of the tasting stops.
Price rises soon
£70.00
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