THE 1,000 MILE CHALLENGE
YOUR COMMUNITY. 1,000 MILES. REAL CHANGE.
October 2026
Bring together your run club, crew, collective, friends or followers to run and walk 1,000 miles throughout October. Your regular runs count. Every member’s miles count. Together, you’ll raise vital funds for young people facing homelessness and mental health challenges.
One Community. One month. 1,000 miles that can change young lives.
WHY COMMUNITY MATTERS
RUNNING IS MORE THAN MILES. IT IS PEOPLE SHOWING UP FOR EACH OTHER.
Run clubs, crews and collectives are built through shared routes, familiar faces, encouragement and the feeling that you belong. The strongest communities make space for people to feel seen, supported and part of something bigger.
That same human connection sits at the heart of The Running Charity. We use movement and trusted relationships to help young people facing homelessness and mental health challenges build confidence, connection and hope. By moving together, your community helps make that support possible.
MOVEMENT BUILDS COMMUNITY. COMMUNITY CHANGES LIVES.
REAL IMPACT
INDEPENDENT ANALYSIS BY LSE AND LLOYDS BANK FOUNDATION INDICATES £6–£8 IN WELLBEING BENEFIT AND ALMOST £10 IN PUBLIC-SERVICE SAVINGS FOR EVERY £1 RAISED.
OUR IMPACT IN ACTIONREAL LIVES. REAL CHANGE.
MEET THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE IMPACT.
Every young person’s journey is different. These are their words on finding confidence, connection and possibility with The Running Charity.
READ MORE STORIES
The Running Charity saved my life
The life we have is short, so follow your dream. Follow whatever you want to do
I honestly think I wouldn’t be the person I am today if I didn’t meet them
I run because, when I do, I see beauty in the world
HOW IT WORKS
SIMPLE STEPS. ONE SHARED GOAL.
YOUR COMMUNITY. FOUR SIMPLE STEPS. 1,000 SHARED MILES.
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REGISTER YOUR COMMUNITY
A community captain signs up your group. We’ll help you get everything ready.
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BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER
Invite your members, friends or followers. People can contribute as many miles as work for them.
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A GUEST SESSION WITH TRC
Communities can host a TRC young person, supported by a coach, to lead a session and gain real leadership experience.
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ADD EVERY MILE
Run or walk throughout October. Club sessions, social runs, solo miles and everyday walks all count.
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TRANSFORM LIVES
Share your community fundraising page, celebrate your progress and help transform young lives.
YOU BRING THE TEAM. WE’LL DO THE REST.
YOUR SUPPORT TEAM
YOUR COMMUNITY. BACKED ALL THE WAY.
From coaching and inclusion to fundraising and endurance, our team will help you build momentum, bring people together and make every mile count.
Chevy
COMMUNITY & PERFORMANCE LEAD
One of the UK’s leading running coaches, Chevy brings coaching, wellbeing and community-building support to help people move together.
Claude
Running Coach and TRC Graduate
A Spirit of London winner and TRC graduate, Claude brings lived experience, expert coaching and belief in what movement can unlock.
Seb
Engagement and Fundraising Support
A world-record endurance runner, Seb provides personal fundraising advice, ideas and encouragement to help your community reach its goal.
Carmen
Wellbeing and Inclusion Coach
With deep experience supporting women and young people, Carmen helps create an inclusive challenge where everyone feels welcome and able to contribute.
Russ
Challenge Ambassador & Hardest Geezer
After running the length of Africa, Russ brings honest motivation, extraordinary endurance experience and big-challenge energy to inspire your community.
QUESTIONS? WE’VE GOT ANSWERS.
EVERYTHING YOUR COMPANY NEEDS TO KNOW.
Clear answers on cost, time, participation and support before you register.
Who can enter?
Existing run clubs, crews, collectives, sports or community groups can enter. You can also create a new community with friends, family, followers or people brought together by a shared purpose.
How man people do we need?
There is no fixed community size. Share the miles in whatever way works for your members—everyone can contribute a different amount.
Can we enter multiple teams?
Yes. You can enter as many teams as you like, creating some friendly competition across departments, offices or locations. Each team takes on its own 1,000-mile target.
What support will my community receive?
We’ll provide a community toolkit, captain guidance, simple mile tracking, fundraising support and encouragement throughout October. Selected communities may also host a young leader supported by a TRC coach.
Can an individual or small team take part?
Completing 1,000 miles alone means averaging 32.3 miles every day in October. If you have an exceptional solo or two-person challenge in mind, contact us before registering so we can discuss it with you.
