The 2026 Montane Lakeland 50 & 100 once again delivered an unforgettable weekend of endurance, determination and community spirit in the heart of the Lake District. From record-breaking performances and hard-fought victories to inspiring personal journeys and incredible fundraising efforts, this year's event showcased everything that makes the Lakeland races among the most iconic ultras in the world. Here are some of the incredible stories from the weekend...

Men’s 100 winner - Mark Darbyshire

Mark Darbyshire added another victory to his Lakeland legacy, claiming the 2026 Montane Lakeland 100 title in 18:51:31. A two-time course record holder, Mark continues to cement his place among the race's all-time greats.

Women’s 100 winner - Anna Troup

Fresh from victories at the Summer Spine and Winter Spine, Anna Troup secured the women's Lakeland 100 title in 25:39:33, further strengthening her reputation as one of Britain's leading ultra runners.

Women’s 50 winner - Katie Kaars Sijpesteijn

Katie took the win on the women’s 50 mile race in an incredible time of 8:23:21 and 8th overall. 

She has now won the race 5 times, and shattered the women’s course record in 2022 in 08:02:19.

Men’s 50 winner - Ry Webb

Ry Webb emerged victorious from one of the closest men's Lakeland 50 races on record, crossing the line in 07:44:29 and finishing just 71 seconds ahead of Rob Forbes. The win builds on his impressive runner-up finish in the 2025 Lakeland 100.

Thea Gray

In 2016 at 9 years old, Thea competed in the Lakeland 1 fun run while watching her mother place as the 3rd lady in the main 50 mile race. Since that first spark in 2016, she didn’t miss a single year. Alongside her father, she became a beloved fixture of the event staff, working gruelling overnight shifts at checkpoints and managing the race’s official registration desks. In July 2025, she became the youngest person ever to complete the 50 mile course in the event’s history, turning 18 just 12 days before the race. Thea qualified to run the Lakeland 100, and she completed the 105 mile course this year in an incredible time of 35:15:18. By finishing the Lakeland 100 this year, she became the youngest ever “triple crown” holder, alongside being the youngest person to finish both the Lakeland 50 and Lakeland 100 courses individually.

Sarah Curran

Sarah Curran was told she would never run again after suffering a serious ankle injury while serving in the RAF. Despite years of surgeries, chronic pain and relying on a crutch in day-to-day life, she defied the odds to take on the Lakeland 50, demonstrating extraordinary resilience and determination. We caught up with Sarah to get her thoughts on such an incredible achievement:

Why the Lakeland 50?

"There was a point in my injury journey when I never thought I would complete a marathon, let alone an ultramarathon. Once I completed my first 50km ultra I thought I may have hit my limit but I was able to push through once again and completed the 47 mile LAP earlier this year. The Lakeland is such a special event with an amazing community, and in an incredible place that I am lucky enough to call home. I feel super privileged that my body allows me to take on such incredible challenges despite its limitations. The Lakeland has been a bucket list race for me; one that until just over a year ago I never thought I would be able to even attempt."

What are the differences for you doing the Lakeland/Ultras with a disability?

"I know that I am going to be out there for a much longer time than most of the runners so a larger pack is a necessity. I have recently started using running vests, like the Montane Gecko 20, as I find them much more comfortable than a hiking backpack especially when wearing them for 12+ hours. 20 litres is a really good size and ensures I can carry extra kit, such as extra layers, that may not necessarily be on the kit list but may be needed for a walker like me who isn’t moving as fast as most other participants. For some of the events that I have completed previously, and also for the Lakeland, I know that I will be spending quite a few hours in darkness too, so even if headtorches weren’t on the mandatory kit list it would be something that I would be packing."

Jacob’s Ladder

Tilberthwaite is checkpoint 14, home of the cheese toasties, Jacob’s Ladder and Hope’s Hurdle.

Jacob’s Ladder is a memorial in loving memory of Jacob Willett, the young son of a regular Lakeland racer, who sadly passed away from cancer. Upon reaching the base of the steps, every competitor drops their pound coin into a charity collection bucket. This enduring race tradition has raised tens of thousands of pounds for children’s cancer research and the Cancer Trust. This year, £4,037.55 was collected in the bucket, and as promised, the Lakeland team matched that figure, to make a total of £8,075.10.

The 2026 Montane Lakeland 50 & 100 once again demonstrated why it remains one of the world's most iconic ultra-distance events. Record-breaking achievements, hard-fought victories, inspiring personal journeys and a shared commitment to giving back combined to create an unforgettable weekend in the Lake District. We can't wait to see what stories next year's race will bring.

Image credit

Ian Corless

Craig Holdsworth 

Jumpy James