Exploration
8 charity challenges good for the body and soul
Why not get in shape this year and raise some money for worthy causes along the way?
The 11th edition of the Wings for Life World Run will take place on Sunday, May 5, 2024. For registration updates, complete global results and unforgettable highlights: visit www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com and download the new Wings for Life World Run App for iOS or Android.
Taking on an endurance event is a great way to boost your fitness, giving you something to work towards and train for. Adding fundraising into the mix will raise vital donations for a charity, keep you motivated during training and push you towards the finish line during the challenge itself.
From the Dart 10k swim on these shores to Guatemala Impact Marathon further afield, sign up to one of these awesome events and get ready to raise some much-needed money.
1. The Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race
Get some paddling practise in
© Kelvin Traulman/Red Bull Content Pool
What? If you’re a dab hand with a canoe, then this is the event for you. The Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race pits paddlers against a mammoth 125-mile journey along the Avon Canal and River Thames (as well as 77 locks that will need to be navigated).
The senior doubles is the toughest category, with it a being non-stop onslaught of lactic acid-inducing activity, while a 17-mile stretch of tidal water in the Thames provides a sting in the tail for all competitors.
When? April 2-5 2021
Where? Devizes to London
Fundraising for? TBA
2. London to Brighton Challenge
Pace it out
© Kelvin Trautman/Red Bull Content Pool
What? Take your weekend rambling up a notch with a 100km march from the capital to the coast. Expect burning legs once deep into the South Downs, but the amazing views at the top of the hills more than make up for it. If you don’t fancy the non-stop challenge, there is an opportunity to camp mid-way, or you can take on 50km and 25km versions.
When? May 29-30 2021
Where? Richmond, London to Brighton
Fundraising for?British Heart Foundation
3. Big Battlefield Bike Ride Dunkirk
What? This epic feat consists of five days of riding 70 miles a day around some of the most famous battlefields in northern France. You’ll spend the week making new friends and commemorating fallen soldiers during this cycling challenge. The year marks the 80th anniversary of the Dunkirk evacuation, so will be an extra-special event to take part in.
When? June 6–12 2021
Where? France
Fundraising for? Help For Heroes
4. The Great Kindrochit Quadrathlon
What? Find triathlons a bit easy, what with only three disciplines to tackle? Then this quadrathlon in the Scottish Highlands is for you, with a 0.8-mile swim, then seven miles of kayaking sandwiched between a 15-mile run and 34-mile cycle. The event is tackled either together as a pair or in the style of a relay race by teams of between three and eight.
When? TBA
Where? Kindrochit, Scottish Highlands
Fundraising for?Mary’s Meals
5. Mongol Derby
What? Saddle up for the adventure of a lifetime and take on the 1,000km Mongol Derby horse race. Riders have to navigate through the vast country’s large areas of grassland and mountains, camping under the stars as they go. Horses are switched every 40km and participants are given just under two weeks to complete the task. Packing cream for saddle sores is essential.
When? July-August 2021
Where? Mongolia
Fundraising for?Cool Earth
6. The Dart 10k swim
What? Swimming 10,000m is the water-based equivalent of a marathon, and the Devon-based Dart 10k is the UK’s longest established ultra swimming event. Organised by the Outdoor Swimming Society, competitors have to swim along the River Dart from Totnes to Dittisham, tackling a distance that is almost a third of the Channel. The event isn’t a race, but practising in open water beforehand is a must.
When? TBA
Where? Totnes, Devon
Fundraising for?Level Water
7. Guatemala Impact Marathon
What? A six-day adventure on the edge of an active Guatemalan volcano, spending time with the community projects you've fundraise for. The grand finale of the week is the choice of a 10km, 21km or 42k race through the lava fields surrounding the volcano.
When? March 1-7 2022
Where? Pacaya Volcano, Guatemala
Fundraising for? Local charities Seres and Caras Alegres
8. The Crossing
What? Whitehaven to Scarborough on a mountain bike is not to be sniffed at. With three days of riding 200 miles your endurance will be put to the test, but the views across the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the North Yorkshire Moors more than make up for any pain you are experiencing. Organised by Rat Race Adventures, expect seamless organisation and and well-stocked pit stops along the way.
When? July 23-25 2021
Where? Whitehaven, Cumbria
Fundraising for?Children With Cancer UK
