The Altra 13 Valleys Ultra returns to the Lake District National Park on Sunday 27 September 2026, with demand continuing to rise for one of the UK's fastest growing endurance events.

Registrations are up more than 60% year on year, with overall participation expected to grow by 67% this year. Several of the longer distances have already sold out for 2026, underlining the growing popularity of an event that combines spectacular scenery, serious challenge and a strong trail running community.

Set among the mountains, lakes and valleys of the Lake District, the event offers routes ranging from 22K to 180K. Each distance gives runners the chance to experience one of the UK's most celebrated landscapes on foot, with routes designed to showcase the terrain, views and sense of adventure that make the National Park such a special place to run.

For those not ready to commit to the longer ultra distances, the 2 Valleys 22K offers an ideal entry point. Starting and finishing in Keswick, the route combines road, tracks and trails, creating an achievable but memorable challenge for runners stepping into trail running or looking for a shorter adventure within the wider 13 Valleys weekend.

Walkers are also welcome on the 2 Valleys route, with an eight hour cut off helping make the event accessible to a wider range of participants. Experienced trail runners, meanwhile, can still race hard over a shorter distance while enjoying some of the finest scenery in the Lake District.

The appeal of the 2 Valleys lies in its balance of challenge and accessibility. It provides a taste of the atmosphere, organisation and landscape that define the Altra 13 Valleys Ultra, without requiring runners to take on the more demanding long distance routes.

Whether you're discovering trail running for the first time, building towards longer ultras or simply looking for a spectacular Lake District challenge, the Altra 13 Valleys Ultra offers an event weekend with real momentum behind it. With entries selling strongly and demand growing year on year, the 2 Valleys could be the perfect way to be part of one of the UK's most exciting trail running events.

You can be a part of the 2026 event by entering via the race organiser's website here.

Image courtesy 13 Valleys Ultra.