An 'ultra challenge' event across the Lake District has helped bring in £10million for UK-based charities.

The Ultra Challenge Series in 2024 comprised of 18 events, taking place across the UK between January and October, with the final total being revealed this month. 

Participants could choose to walk, jog or run a distance from 10km up to 100km, in some of the UK’s most iconic locations.

This included the popular Lake District challenge, which raised more than £700,000 across June 8 and 9. 

Read more: Barrow dad takes on 100k challenge to fundraise for Furness General Hospital | The Mail

The event saw over 2,000 people take on a 100km loop around Lake Windermere, starting from Kendal, taking in the Garburn Pass, Ambleside and 'some of the best trails the Lake District has to offer'.

The challenge series takes advantage of some of the best settings in the UKThe challenge series takes advantage of some of the best settings in the UK (Image: Action Challenge)

Jan Smolaga, from Action Challenge, said: “At a time when charities need more funding than ever, it’s fantastic to see so many people ready to strap on their boots and take on a tough challenge for a good cause.

"We’re one of the few mass participation event series to have expanded and grown over the last few years, with more events and more fundraisers than ever."

The £10 million was raised for more than 500 UK charities, from small volunteer-led organisations to national charities – including Mind, who provide essential mental health support and services, with bases found in south Cumbria.

Over 36,000 people took part across the UKOver 36,000 people took part across the UK (Image: Action Challenge)

Amanda Taylor, Senior Fundraising Officer at the charity, said: “Mind has had an incredible year as a series partner for the Ultra Series, having raised an incredible £680,000.

"Their events are not only fun and engaging but also incredibly well-organized and offer a fantastic geographical spread of events for supporters to choose from."

Read more: Women raise thousands with Lake District Ultra Challenge | The Westmorland Gazette

Across the year, 325,000 donors, 36,000 participants, over 500 charities, 200 members of event crew, and 100 suppliers made the series possible.

Applications are now open to get involved in 2025's Ultra Challenge Series, which will once again be returning to the Lake District.

You can find out more by visiting the website here.