Can beginners join Beyond Ultra coaching?

Yes, Beyond Ultra coaches complete beginners to experienced ultra runners with personalised plans to build your confidence and endurance safely.

What if I can't continue running?

We can pause your coaching plan if needed or adapt your program to your current situation to support your long-term running goals.

How much time do I need weekly for the run coaching?

Your training plan is adapted to your lifestyle and availability, ensuring it fits your schedule while progressing toward your running goals.

Conquering the Lakeland 100: How to Tackle the UK’s Legendary Ultra

20 Jul

Written By Charles Gay

If there’s one race that sits on many UK ultra runners’ bucket lists, it’s the Lakeland 100. Known for its relentless climbs, technical terrain, and breathtaking Lake District scenery, the Lakeland 100 is more than just 105 miles around the Lakes—it’s a mental and physical challenge

At Beyond Ultra, we specialise in preparing athletes for big mountain ultras like the Lakeland 100, ensuring you arrive not only ready to finish but to embrace the journey.

In 2023 I had my first DNF at Lakeland. Now I can look back at that experience and can see many lessons that helped to shape the runner I am today. I had come off the back of two big weeks in the Pico’s De Europa guiding with Pure Trails Adventure and a taper never happened. I under fuelled and missed the only place to get hot food. I went into Lakeland 100 not really knowing what would happen. I still had a great time!

Why the Lakeland 100 is One of the UK’s Toughest Ultras?

105 miles with 6,800m of ascent
Technical trails, rocky descents, and relentless climbs
Navigation challenges, especially overnight
A strict 40-hour cut-off

The route takes you through some of the most beautiful and rugged terrain in the Lake District, with steep climbs up Fusedale, Gatesgarth, and Walna Scar, and tricky descents into Ambleside and Coniston when your legs are screaming for mercy. Weather in late July can throw everything at you—scorching sun, sideways rain, or cold nights on the fells.

The Biggest Challenges of the Lakeland 100:

1️⃣ Managing Pacing Over 100 Mile

The pace and the start was crazy quick. Many first-timers set off too fast on the early runnable sections, only to pay for it during the technical night section or final 40 miles. After 50 miles the Lakeland 50 starts and it’s easy to get caught up running with people who have fresh legs.

2️⃣ Navigating in the Dark

The race starts in the evening. This can be a challenge with your regular evening route, make sure to practice going out for long runs in the evening, not just on the weekend. Practising night navigation on tired legs is essential for success.

3️⃣ Nutrition and Stomach Management

Something I skipped and paid the price. The Lakeland 100’s hills and constant movement test your gut as much as your legs. Having a nutrition plan can prevent stomach shutdown.

4️⃣ Technical Terrain

Rocky paths, boggy sections, and steep descents require strong technical trail skills, especially when you’re exhausted in the final miles. If you can replicate this terrain in your training, ideally in the same conditions.

How Beyond Ultra can Prepare You for the Lakeland 100

At Beyond Ultra, we believe in preparing athletes for the specific demands of races like the Lakeland 100, including:

Customised training plans that mirror the demands of Lakeland’s elevation profile and terrain.
Back-to-back long runs to condition your legs for extended climbs and descents.
Night running and navigation practice under fatigue.
Fuelling strategies to train your gut for race day.
Strength and mobility training to reduce injury risk and improve technical descents.
Mindset coaching to help you handle the mental lows that inevitably come during 100+ mile ultras.

We know the Lakeland 100 demands more than generic mileage—it requires specific, intelligent preparation if you want to finish strong and avoid the DNF list.

Why the Lakeland 100 is Worth the Challenge

Community: The Lakeland 100 community is famously supportive, with checkpoints that feel like family gatherings.
Scenery: The Lake District fells are a magical place, especially at sunrise.
Personal Growth: You will discover depths of resilience you didn’t know you had.
The Finish Line: Seeing other runners coming down into Coniston makes me want to try it all over again.

Ready to Tackle the Lakeland 100?

If the Lakeland 100 is on your 2025 or 2026 race calendar, now is the time to prepare. At Beyond Ultra, we can help you arrive on the start line ready to take on this legendary race, with confidence in your training, strategy, and mindset.

Charles Gay