Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon
Two days in the Lake District fells for teams of two, finding your way by map and compass with a remote camp in between.
Next event
10–11 July 2027North West Lake DistrictEntries open 1 December 2026
- Two days
- Teams of two
- Seven courses
- Map and compass only
- Since 1978
- Reduced fees for under-30s
What is the Saunders?
The Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon is a two-day navigation event in the Lake District fells for teams of two. Each July, pairs set out with a map, a compass and everything they need for a night out. They find their way between checkpoints across open fell, camp together at a remote overnight site, then do it again on Sunday.
There are seven courses. Over the weekend the shortest covers around 27km with 2,200m of ascent, and the longest around 54km with 4,500m. Every course feels a good deal harder than its numbers suggest. There's a lot of climbing and descending, much of the ground is off-trail, and you'll often be contouring across rough, uneven slopes.
The event has been held since 1978 and is one of only three two-day mountain marathons left in the UK and Ireland.
How the weekend works
Step 1
Friday
Arrive from early evening, register and pitch your tent at the event centre. Food and a bar are on sale.
Step 2
Saturday
You start at a time you chose when you entered, and your map is handed to you as the clock starts. The day ends at the overnight camp, where your drinks order is waiting.
Step 3
Sunday
A shorter day back to the event centre, a hot meal at the finish and prizegiving in the early afternoon.
What competitors said
From our 2026 competitor survey (517 responses)
3 in 10
were at their first Saunders
95%
of those first-timers say they'll be back
94%
said the physical and navigational challenge was about right
1 in 4
has done six or more Saunders
Asked to describe the Saunders to a friend, the words competitors used most were "challenging", "fun" and "friendly".
As a first timer, I cannot wait to come back again! I couldn't have had a better introduction.
Wonderful atmosphere that builds all the way through the weekend. By the end everyone is your best friend.
A weekend full of mountain psyche, mixed with fields full of the friendliest people, a little bit of self inflicted suffering, and lots of good times.
Very challenging for me, but I now feel more confident about my capacity to push myself forward during those times when I want to stop.
Ridiculously good fun! It was like a souped up DofE for big kids!
A good way to test the strength of your marriage.
Well organised, very friendly atmosphere, yummy food at the end. Never done anything like this before. Will definitely come again.
Navigating skill set is more important than fitness!
If you want to try a Mountain Marathon, do this one. You get milk at the overnight camp.
We have loved our second mum and daughter SLMM. It is a highlight of our year.
New to mountain marathons?
You don't need to run. On the beginner courses, a pair that walks the whole way, chooses good routes and navigates accurately can finish in the top half of the field. What you do need is good hill experience, sound map and compass skills and a partner you'll still be speaking to on Sunday.
Watch a walking pair's weekend
Three of the seven courses are suitable for beginners. The other four require previous mountain marathon experience.
How we look after you
- A GPS safety tracker for every pair
- Sweep teams on the fells both days
- A medical team with paramedic support throughout
- A mandatory kit list, with random kit checks
- Courses carefully planned for each level of experience
- A shorter course on Sunday if you need it, including an extra-short option
- A minibus back from the overnight camp if you have to retire
- Beginner's guide, kit advice and training courses
What your entry includes
- A waterproof Harvey map each
- GPS safety tracker
- Timing chip hire
- Weekend parking
- Friday camping at the event centre
- Friday evening social
- Saturday remote overnight camp
- Your drinks order delivered to the overnight camp
- Hot meal and hot drink at the finish
- Free race photos
- Split times and a GPX file of your route
- An unforgettable weekend
2027 entry fees
December
Senior
£95
Under 30
£67.50
From January
Senior
£105
Under 30
£72.50
From April
Senior
£115
Under 30
£77.50
Fees are per person. Entries open on 1 December 2026, and the earlier you enter the less you pay.
T-shirts and campervan permits can be added when you enter.
Who's behind it
The Saunders is run by Lakeland Events, a not-for-profit community interest company, and staffed entirely by volunteers. Any surplus goes to charity, principally the Brathay Trust. The event is licensed by the Fell Runners Association. Each course has separate male, female, mixed and veteran competitions, with equal prizes in each.
Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon archive
Find your race history
Put in your name to see every edition you appear in, with your partner, class, position and time.