Running and Hiking Events
We have running and hiking events to suit all abilities and a range of ages, from local fun runs to trail runs to overseas marathons.
Birmingham Running Festival
Date: VariousJoin us for a wonderful opportunity to run a distance of your choice around the beautiful Sutton Park, a 2,400 acre National Nature Reserve in Birmingham. Included in your entry fee is a themed medal, water and post race goodies.
Drayton Manor 5k and 10k
Date: Sunday 12 April 2026Perfect for all experience levels, this closed-road race combines fun, fitness, and thrills in one unforgettable morning.
Click below to choose a distance and register for a race, and don't forget to buy a spectator pass for any friends, family or other fans who want to come and cheer you on and enjoy the rides with you after!
Shakespeare Marathon
Date: Sunday 26 April 2026This flat and fast route follows follows closed roads and footpaths around Shakespeare's hometown, Stratford-Upon-Avon.
Great Birmingham Run
Be a part of the Midlands’ biggest and best running event, and complete a half marathon or 10k run around Birmingham City Centre and beyond.
Hackney Half
A Half Marathon with a difference. Set your 2026 off to the right start by calling your crew to the Hackney Half start line.
Hackney Moves is the highlight of London's running calendar. This is an unforgettable weekend of movement, sport and entertainment.
Expect pure vibrancy as the borough comes alive for a weekend of celebration.
Edinburgh Marathon - Edinburgh Running Festival
Come and be part of Scotland's BIGGEST running festival! This ever-growing festival of running is now a major event in the Scottish sporting calendar. Starting in Edinburgh, the course heads out through East Lothian offering stunning views and an unforgettable running experience.
The marathon route is one of the fastest in the UK making that elusive personal best a distinct possibility! Edinburgh Marathon joined the world's elite road races in 2012 by becoming the first marathon in Scotland to be officially recognised by the IAAF, the athletics governing body. The IAAF bronze label puts the race among the top 75 in the world making it a pivotal part of the sporting calendar for runners.
Staffordshire Endurance Festival - triathlons
Date: Sunday 14 June 2026An iconic event set in the heart of Staffordshire, featuring middle and standard distance triathlons which begin with an open water swim in the scenic Chasewater, followed by a road cycle through the stunning Staffordshire countryside, culminating in Cannock Chase Forest. The run route is entirely within the forest, following a multi-lap course that's perfect for spectators to cheer you on all the way to the finish!
Standard Distance Triathlon - Swim - 1500m, 1 Lap | Bike - 53km, 1 Lap | Run - 10km, 2 Laps
Middle Distance Triathlon - Swim - 1900m, 1 Lap | Bike - 90km, 1 Lap | Run - 21.2km, 4 + Mini Lap
Sign up:
Run Solihull
Date: Sunday 9 August 2026Mam Tor Challenge
Date: Saturday 27 August or Saturday 17 October 2026This circular route showcases the very best of the area, with spectacular scenery at every turn. Perfect for walkers of all abilities, this adventure offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors. Grab your boots and be part of this unforgettable experience!
Walk highlights: Views of Mam Tor, The Great Ridge, Hollins Cross, Lose Hill, Castleton
Derbyshire Dales Trail Run
Date: Sunday 13 September 2026Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Bakewell Showground, this trail running event offers three incredible routes between 9km and 22km (just over half marathon), each showcasing the best of the Peak District's natural beauty.
Whichever distance you choose to conquer, this event promises an unforgettable experience for every trail runner.
Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon Sunrise)
Date: Sunday 27 September 2026Standing at the summit by moonlight will be an unforgettable experience, as will seeing the sunrise from the mountain slopes as we descend. Witnessing the spectacular landscapes opening up before us as the day grows lighter is a magical and unforgettable experience.
Royal Parks Half Marathon
Date: Sunday 11 October 2026Take part in this unique and inspiring event - the most spectacular half marathon that central London has to offer - it is a unique and inspiring event.
Glide through four of London's stunning Royal Parks - Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, St James's Park and The Green Park. The 13.1m extraordinary route brushes past London's most famous landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace, all on closed roads.
Amsterdam Marathon/Half Marathon
Join over 18,500 marathon runners who take in the major sites of one of Europe's most beautiful cities, Amsterdam.
The flat and fast course is packed with scenery as you run through Vondelpark & Rijksmuseum, following the Amsel River, you will be sure to see many canals and windmills but whatever you do, do not stop at a pancake house until the end of the race!
The Amsterdam half marathon is a perfect destination marathon for charity runners looking for a challenge in a city vibrant with culture.
Virtual Halloween Run
This spooky virtual run is a great deal of fun for all abilities. Take this 5K challenge on before or on Halloween. Do it in your running gear or a spooky character from your favourite movie scene, and get a medal and goodie bag when you've completed it!
*This covers your entry fee, goodie bag and medal. To raise funds for Age UK Solihull you will also need to create a JustGiving page or ask people to sponsor you offline. If you'd rather not pay to enter and don't mind not receiving a medal and goodie bag, you can simply do your own 5k and set up a JustGiving page for sponsorship without signing up below.
Run Alton Towers
Date: November 2026Starting and finishing within Alton Towers Theme Park this is an event for the entire family. Open to all abilities, you can take on a chip timed 5k, 10k or Half Marathon to earn yourself a unique themed medal before enjoying the incredible rides at the park. FREE ride access after the race is included in your entry!
Tough Mudder
Date: VariousTake on the ultimate obstacle course challenge over a 5km or 15km run. With no competition and no timing, it’s just you, your teammates and muddy strangers working together to conquer the course and earn the world-famous orange headband.
Barcelona Half Marathon
Date: February 2027Barcelona Marathon
Date: March 2027The Barcelona Marathon is one of the most popular in Europe. The course takes you through the centre of the city and includes main landmarks such as the Camp Nou (the home of Barcelona FC), Sagrada Familia, the Parc de Cuitdadella and finishing a short distance from La Rambla. With very few hills or inclines, the course is very flat and fast, and suits first time runners, or those going for a PB!
Virtual Santa Dash
Date: On or before 25 DecemberThis festive virtual run is a great deal of fun for all abilities. Take this 5K challenge on before or on Christmas Day. Do it in your running gear or festive fancy dress. Get a medal and goodie bag when you've completed the race, and more goodies and donations are up for grabs for the fastest participant in fancy dress and the participant who raises the most for their chosen charity!
*This covers your entry fee, goodie bag and medal, and enables you to enter the competitions to win additional prizes. To raise funds for Age UK Solihull you will also need to create a JustGiving page or ask people to sponsor you offline. If you'd rather not pay to enter and don't mind not receiving a medal and goodie bag, you can simply do your own 5k and set up a JustGiving page for sponsorship without signing up below.
Virtual Dog Jog
Dog Jogs are a fantastic opportunity for you and your canine companion to get some fresh air and exercise.
If you and your four-legged friend are just beginning your journey to being more active and improving your fitness, and are looking for a relaxed, friendly and fun challenge to help motivate you, then Dog Jog is for you!
Warwick Half Marathon or Kids' Race
Race a scenic, road-closed Half Marathon through the Warwickshire countryside with a supportive crowd and a memorable finish. The undulating route rewards steady pacing and suits runners of all abilities. Expect enthusiastic local support, clear signage, and a lively event village to round off your day. Young runners can take part in the Junior Race for an inspiring start to their running journey.
The course showcases wide views and quiet country roads. The final 2 km trend gently downhill to help you finish strong and enjoy the run-in to the line.
HOKA Semi de Paris (Paris half marathon)
The Paris Half Marathon is one of the best overseas half marathons for UK runners to take part in!
The world famous fashion capital ups the ante when it comes to running for charity. A vibrant atmosphere as you run through historical sites of eastern Paris, all whilst enjoying music and entertainment that is guaranteed to be performed along the whole course!
Wolverhampton 10k
Date: March 2027London Landmarks Half Marathon
The London Landmarks Half Marathon is a closed road, central London run and is the only half marathon to go through both the City of London and City of Westminster.
The event starts on Pall Mall, finished by Downing Street and had fabulous views of London’s most iconic landmarks including Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral, Nelson’s Column, the Gherkin, the Shard, the Tower of London and the London Eye.
Paris Marathon
The Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris is one of the biggest marathons in the world and perfectly combines a personal challenge with the chance to discover one of the world's greatest cities.
The Brighton Marathon
The Brighton Marathon is one of the UK's favourite 26.2-milers. With a stunning backdrop of the sea in one of the country's most vibrant cities, the race gets bigger and better every year. Renowned for its buzzing atmosphere and roaring crowd support, the course winds through the city streets, finishing up on the spectacular Brighton seafront.
Wizz Air Milano Marathon
Date: April 2027Join the excitement of the Wizz Air Milano Marathon – Italy’s fastest marathon and a true celebration of running! Held in the heart of Milan, this event welcomes marathoners, relay teams, families, and enthusiasts to experience a scenic 42.195 km route past iconic landmarks, with live music, cheering crowds, and an electric atmosphere. Whether you're a seasoned runner or taking on your first challenge, it's a chance to feel the energy of Milan and embrace the spirit of the race.
Manchester Marathon
Take on the adidas Manchester Marathon, the UK's second largest marathon and one of Europe's largest is an iconic event drawing participants from all over the world to the vibrant streets of Greater Manchester.
Coventry Half Marathon or 10k
Date: April 2027The Coventry Half Marathon is back and better than ever—welcoming thousands of runners to a scenic route that winds through the historic city centre, into the rolling Warwickshire countryside, and finishes at the iconic Coventry Cathedral. Alternatively, you can opt for the 10k which still offers breathtaking views, buzzing crowds, and well-earned rewards including a goody bag and bespoke medal.
Cannock Chase Running Festival
Date: April 2027These undulating trails take you running through the stunning Cannock Chase Forest. The race is run on a mix of surfaces including dirt trails, gravel and tarmac. Each mile is accurately marked out with signposts and we have plenty of helpers to keep you on track and encourage you on your way to the finish.
This event will be held at Cannock Chase Forest which is within the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Check out our other challenge events:
Adrenaline events
Are you brave enough to take on one of our thrilling challenges? See what adrenaline events we currenlty have on offer, from skydives to bungee jumps to theme parks!
Cycling events
We often have cycling events of a range of distances around the UK and beyond. Click below to see what's currenlty available!
Overseas events
Make a trip of it and see a different part of the world while raising funds for local older people. See what overseas marathons, bike rides and other events we currenly have on offer.
Family events
Get the kids involved in fundraising! You can enter some of our events as a family team, and others offer kids' races where you can cheer them on from the sidelines. Click below to find out more.
Team events
Get together with colleagues, friends or family members to increase both the fun and the fundraising! We have lots of events that can be done as a group.
Virtual events
-
Take on a challenge from anywhere in the world! From climbing the equivalent of Mount Everest to completing the Sydney Marathon virtually, the possibilities are endless! Come up with your own challenge or click below to see what we currently have available.
Events by region
-
See all the challenge events we have to offer, filtered by region so you can easily find one to suit you.
Events by date
Coming soon! For now, please browse our events by category or region.
All challenge events
Return to our Challenges homepage.