NAV4 Lakes Mountain 40

The Lakes Mountain 40 is a demanding mountain ultramarathon scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026. Based in the village of Askham, the race covers approximately 40 miles of rugged Lake District terrain with a total elevation gain and loss of nearly 10,000 feet. Unlike many trail races, the course is completely unmarked, requiring participants to possess competent mountain navigation skills and self-sufficiency. The route follows a logical "figure of eight" pattern, taking runners over major Lakeland summits including Helvellyn and High Street.

Event Detail	Information
Start Time	06:00 AM (Mass Start)
Expected Finish	10–12 hours (avg); up to 16 hours
Entry Limit	150 Competitors
Key Summits	Helvellyn, High Street, Place Fell, Loadpot

Askham is a picturesque village in Eden, Cumbria, located on the northeastern edge of the Lake District National Park. The civil parish has a population of approximately 360 residents. The demographic profile of the Eden district is approximately 98.1% White, 0.8% Asian, 0.7% Mixed-race, and 0.4% identifying as Black or other ethnic groups. The median annual household income in the Eden area is roughly £31,000. Geographically, the race traverses the Far Eastern Fells, moving from the limestone-rich plateau of Askham through the high-altitude volcanic rock of the Helvellyn range. The climate in mid-April in the Lake District is highly volatile; while valley temperatures may reach 12°C (54°F), summit temperatures often hover near 0°C (32°F) with significant wind chill and potential snow. Registration is held at the Askham Community Centre, which also serves as the start/finish line. Full winter mountain running kit is mandatory, including waterproofs, thermal layers, a head torch, and a survival bag (blankets are not permitted). The event center provides floor space for Friday night accommodation for those with an early start, and parking is available on-site. Three roadside checkpoints provide hot and cold drinks and light snacks, though runners are expected to carry their own primary nutrition. The race is cup-free, meaning participants must bring their own mug or bottle. For those traveling by rail, the Penrith mainline station is located just five miles from the venue.