Challenge events

You could help us change young lives forever. You could do something amazing by raising money from the things you love to do. Or the things you’ve always wanted to try, but never quite plucked up the courage. This could be the year you ran faster, cycled further or experienced more than you thought you could, and by doing it in aid of YHA you’ll be making a tangible difference to young lives. Take a look at the different ways you could get involved on one of our charity challenge events this year…

Running

London Marathon

This is the big one. The Virgin Money London Marathon is the largest annual charity challenge event on the planet. Supporters line every inch of the 26.2 miles of iconic race route to cheer you on. We’d love to have you on our team and see you go the distance in April 2020.

Apply now with YHA

London Landmarks Half Marathon

The London Landmark Half Marathon includes cultural landmarks and heritage to the city’s quirky and hidden secrets. Runners can raise money for young lives on a route like no other. Registration is £10, as part of Team YHA your fundraising target will be £350.

Apply now with YHA

Great North Run

The Great North Run is the biggest half marathon in the world. The route takes you through Newcastle and Gateshead and ends with applause from thousands of supporters on the beautiful North East coast. There’s a £20 registration fee and your fundraising target would be £350.

Apply now with YHA

Snowdon Running Challenge

Snowdon is a top spot for trail running, so it’s no surprise it’s a popular event. This 12km event isn’t for the faint hearted, but there’s plenty of room at our YHA Snowdon locations for a support team.

Tough Mudder

This is a 5km obstacle race with lots of mud, lots of mayhem, and a whole heap of fun. It’s a good charity challenge to do with a group of friends, having fun all in the name of a good cause.

Greater Manchester Marathon

This friendly route is one of the biggest marathons in the North and runs through the northern powerhouse of Manchester. With YHA Manchester close by you’ll be well rested for the big day.

Cycling

Prudential Ride London

Get on your bike and join 25,000 cyclists for this 100-mile ride to change young lives forever. Starting in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the route takes in the sights and sounds of the capital’s iconic landmarks before heading out to the Surrey countryside. There’s a registration fee of £25, and you’d have a fundraising target of £650.

Apply now with YHA

Take Adventure to the Extreme

The Wall

One of the UK’s most iconic ultra-marathons traverses one of the UK’s most historic sites. The spectacular route takes you along the 69 miles of Hadrian’s Wall, from Carlisle Castle to Newcastle’s Millennium Bridge.

Enquire about The Wall

Man vs Coast

From Penzance to Land’s End, 23 epic miles of the stunning Cornwall peninsula will not be conquered without a fight. Tackle obstacles, sea runs and net scrambling in this most adventurous of adventure sports.

Enquire about Man vs Coast

Man vs Lakes

Take on 30 miles of land and water surrounded by the views of the Lake District. After a run across Morcambe Bay while the tide is out, you’ll make your way to Lake Coniston to face 10kms of obstacles out on the water.

Enquire about Man vs Lakes

Man vs Mountain

Can you take on the metaphorical and physical mountain? This epic 22 mile run takes you to summit of Snowdon with panoramic views of its stunning scenery before descending towards array of obstacles at Dinorwic Quarry.

Enquire about Man vs Mountain

Montaine Spine Flare / Fusion

These 108- and 268-mile races along the Pennine Way are events for extreme athletes and challenge ready trail runners. Challengers need to push themselves to stick within the timeframe. Book the event with stays at YHA Edale and YHA The Sill.

Great North Swim

The most iconic open water swim in the UK is a great one for outdoor lovers, as it’s slap bang in the middle of the Lake District. You can dry off at YHA Ambleside, one of our finest hostels, with stunning views over Lake Windermere.

Walking

Trekfest – The Peaks

This 25-50km trek through the heart of the Peak District is a great one for beginners, with a fun festival atmosphere. Trekkers can enjoy a BBQ and a drink before they head out into the Peaks, and a well-earned rest at YHA Edale once they’ve finished.

Jurassic Coast Challenge

This trek along the beautiful Jurassic Coast is a unique way to experience the World Heritage Site. The 25-100km trek is for everyone, from beginners to well trekked experts, who are all welcome at YHA Swanage for a post-walk pint.

Yorkshire Three Peaks

This is an iconic trek in the UK. Take on Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, three peaks of the Pennine range with a combined height of 2,100m. Carnegie Great Outdoors are taking a team to complete the Yorkshire Three Peaks in aid of YHA.

Enquire through Carnegie Great Outdoors

Be a life changer, wherever your imagination takes you.

If none of the above charity challenge events take your fancy, you can do your own thing. The UK is brimming full of beautiful places to take on unique challenges and setting one for yourself is a great way to discover new places and explore the great outdoors. Every step you take on your journey can change young lives forever. Remember you can use our hostels as your base, located in some of the most spectacular scenery that England and Wales has to offer. Our team will be there to help you every step of the way.

Download our fundraising pack

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Challenge events

Running

London Marathon

London Landmarks Half Marathon

Great North Run

Snowdon Running Challenge

Tough Mudder

Greater Manchester Marathon

Cycling

Prudential Ride London

Take Adventure to the Extreme

The Wall

Man vs Coast

Man vs Lakes

Man vs Mountain

Montaine Spine Flare / Fusion

Great North Swim

Walking

Trekfest – The Peaks

Jurassic Coast Challenge

Yorkshire Three Peaks

Be a life changer, wherever your imagination takes you.

Useful links

Fundraising regulator

Stay in touch

YHA (England & Wales)