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 this year…
This is the big one. The Virgin Money London Marathon is the largest annual fundraising 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.
The London Landmark Half Marathon is not your average run, from cultural landmarks and heritage to the city’s quirky and hidden secrets, runners get to 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.
The Great North Run is iconic, it’s the biggest half marathon in the world with over 40,000 runners last year and a whopping two million people watching at home. The route takes you through Newcastle and Gateshead and ends with rapturous applause from thousands of supporters on the beautiful North East coast. There’s a £20 registration fee and your fundraising target would be £350.
Snowdon is one of the best spots in the UK for mountain trail running, so it’s no surprise that runners flock there every year. This 12km event isn’t for the faint hearted, but there’s plenty of room at our YHA Snowdon locations for an extensive support team.
This is a 5km obstacle race with lots of mud, lots of mayhem, and a whole heap of fun. It’s a good one to do with a group of friends, having fun all in the name of a good cause.
This friendly, flat and fast route is one of the biggest and best marathons in the North and runs right through the northern powerhouse of Manchester. With YHA Manchester just around the corner you’ll be well rested for the big day.
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.
One of the UK’s most iconic ultra-marathons traverses one of the UK’s most historic sites. The route takes you along the 69 miles of Hadrian’s Wall, from Carlisle Castle to Newcastle’s Millennium Bridge.
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.
Take on 30 miles of land and water surrounded by the spectacular 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.
Can you take on the metaphorical and physical mountain? This epic 22 mile run takes you to summit of Snowdon before descending towards array of obstacles at Dinorwic Quarry.
These 108- and 268-mile races along the Pennine Way are iconic events for extreme athletes and challenge ready trail runners. Challengers need to push themselves to stick within the tight timeframe, so plenty of planning is essential. Bookend the event with stays at YHA Edale and our brand new hostel YHA The Sill.
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.
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.
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.
This is one of the most iconic treks in the UK. Take on Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, three peaks of the Pennine range with a combined height of 2,100m. In June this year, Carnegie Great Outdoors are taking a team to complete the Yorkshire Three Peaks in aid of YHA.
If none of the above 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.
