Looking for a challenge to help you stay motivated during winter? Maybe you want to tick one last thing off in 2020 or kickstart 2021 with a fun virtual event? Here are some of my favourite running challenges and virtual events to keep you moving through winter.
Festively Fun Fancy Dress 5km- Saturday 19 December
With many festive fun runs cancelled this year join runners from around the UK to virtually run, walk or jog 5km- anytime, anywhere. This event is free to join with runners encouraged to donate to NHS Charities Together- join the Strava event here: https://www.strava.com/clubs/801076/group_events/851935
Cranked Up- Sunday 20th December
Bringing the elements of a real event virtually into the comfort of your own home. Cranked Up is a turbo trainer party for you and your bike like no other featuring live DJs, the option to enter solo or as a team and join the party pain cave- there is even an hour long evening after party. Choose challenges of 2, 6 or 12 hours and help raise money for the events official charity partners including Macmillan Cancer Support and Pancreatic Cancer UK. Entry costs £10- find out more online: https://www.crankedup.co.uk/
Run Up To Christmas
Between the 1 – 25 December challenge yourself to run 50, 100, 150, 200 or 250km. This isn’t a run streak, this is some pre Christmas motivation! https://www.runthings.co.uk/events/run-up-to-christmas-2020/
Women’s Running 12 days of Christmas running starting 14 December
Each day the team on the Women’s Running UK Instagram will be sharing a different running challenge for you to get involved with. Day 1 featured a post run mince pie- this is definitely a challenge I can get on board with! Check out their Instagram page for more information.
Marathon Swims
There is still chance to tick of a 2020 swim challenge with Marathon Swims. Choose from the Marathon 10k or the Ultra Marathon 25k and complete your challenge over a maximum of 30 days before 31 December 2020. Do this at a venue of your choice and enjoy the thrill of ticking off a big swim before the year ends. Join for free online here: https://www.marathonswims.com/
Le Col tick off 2020
Record 400 minutes of activity from the 1- 31 December for a chance to win £2,500 of Le Col Kit, and don’t worry if you’e joining during December as your previous activities will count towards this.
https://www.strava.com/challenges/Le-Col-Tick-Off-2020
Run Panthera- Women’s Only Christmas Day Run- 25th December
Join the Run Panthera women’s running community for a free fun and festive Christmas day run. You choose the miles and the route, just remember to wear your most festive outfit. Join the Strava event here: https://www.strava.com/clubs/584344/group_events/846017
ULTRA X Holiday 100
For the 8 days between Christmas Eve and 23:59 on New Years Eve clock run, walk or jog 100km. There is a free buff for all entrants and a chance to win a place on a 2021 race. Sign up for free online: https://ultra-x.co/holiday100/?fbclid=IwAR3x0Uvpb24LFmBCnnpR49LG19e_Fir0azPCgYstbSnXi8Pml5j-wJNqXZs
Runthrough- virtual races throughout winter
RunThrough are widely known for their fun and friendly events- but did you know you can do these virtually too? With distances ranging from 5km to marathon, and monthly mileage goals be sure to take a look online and sign up to your next virtual challenge: https://www.runthrough.co.uk/
Secret London Runs- bookable on their website
Are you London based, want to see the Christmas lights on foot, whilst supporting an epic small business? Secret London Runs are still running small socially distanced Christmas lights tours (subject to tier 3 restrictions). Or if you’d prefer to participate in a virtual challenge join their 60minute virtual dash or a virtual/self guided tour. Make sure to check them out for a very festive run: https://www.secretlondonruns.com/
December Gran Fondo
Fancy a 100km ride before the end of 2020? Join Strava users from around the world to complete the final Gran Fondo challenge of the year- ride 100km on the roads or from the comfort of your turbo trainer. Join the group here: https://www.strava.com/challenges/gran-fondo-December-2020
RED January
Kick start January with a little positivity, run, walk, jog, swim, cycle or just get moving every day throughout January to boost your mental and physical wellbeing. Sign up for free online and help raise money for Sport in Mind: https://redtogether.co.uk/
Virtual Winter Run
This year the Winter Run has gone virtual. Join between now and February 7th and earn virtual and physical rewards. You can also join in the race virtually on the 7th February and help raise money for Cancer Research UK, find out more and sign up for free online: https://www.virtualwinterrun.co.uk/ you can also join my team search ThisBunnyRuns when entering a team.
Girls Run the World Runuary
Choose your discipline- Run, swim or cycle then do that every day throughout January- this is a streak with a difference either focus on just enjoying movement everyday or pick a distance target and build your endurance. The cost to enter is £19.99 including finishers vest: https://girlsruntheworld.co.uk/courses/runuary-2021/
Move for Mind
Move for Mind this winter and take on a 30 day movement challenge anytime between the 1 January and 2 March 2021 whilst raising essential funds for Mind, who are critical in providing support to those dealing with a mental health emergency. Minimum fundraising target is £150. Get involved online.
World Day of Running Virtual Race- Saturday 23 January
Join in the first World Day of Running virtual run challenge. Choose a distance from 1.5km up to a Marathon and run wherever you are in the world. Entries are free and you can support their charity partners the British Heart Foundation and the Alzheimer’s Society: https://findarace.com/events/world-day-of-running-january-virtual-run-challenge
And don’t forget the range of events and challenges on Zwift and Strava that you can get involved with at any point! And if you’re looking for winter motivation be sure to check out my blog on staying motivated through winter.
This Bunny Runs 