The Fred Whitton Challenge is a cycling sportive event in the UK, known as “The Daddy of them all”. This legendary charity event is steeped in tradition, honoring Fred Whitton, a passionate advocate for cycling in Cumbria and North Lancashire. The challenge spans 112 miles of terrain in the Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Riders face iconic climbs like Kirkstone, Honister, Newlands, Whinlatter, Hardknott, Wrynose, and Blea Tarn passes, with gradients up to 30%. Elite riders can complete the course in under six hours, but most take over eleven hours. Each rider will receive a tracking device.

The Challenge has been raising money for charity since it began in 1999 and has surpassed the £2,000,000 mark. In recent years the event has given MacMillan Nurses an average of just over £100,000 each year. Along with this, the event has shared the donation of £608,000 to the two Air Ambulances in Cumbria, The Mountain Rescue and Various youth Cycling projects.  The event moved to the Grasmere Sports Ground and has proved extremely popular, with over 5,000 riders applying for just over 2,500 places.