THE 1,000 MILE CHALLENGE

ONE MONTH. YOUR TEAM. 1,000 MILES TOGETHER.

October 2026

Give colleagues one clear goal to get behind: complete 1,000 miles together this October. In this inclusive corporate charity challenge, people can run, walk, wheel or move-wherever they work and whatever their experience.

Registration costs £10 per runner. We’ll provide practical guidance, coaching and fundraising support as your team helps the campaign raise money for young people facing homelessness and mental health challenges.

One team. One month. 1,000 miles that can change young lives.

WHY THIS MATTERS

EVERY FOUR MINUTES, A YOUNG PERSON IN THE UK BECOMES HOMELESS.

Homelessness and poor mental health are often tangled together. For young people who have been let down before, formal support can feel difficult to trust or access.

The Running Charity starts with movement. Side by side, pressure falls away and conversation comes more naturally. That trusted relationship creates a route to mental health support, practical help and lasting connection.

YOUR TEAM’S MILES HELP MORE YOUNG PEOPLE FIND SUPPORT THEY CAN TRUST.

Young person wearing a black The Running Charity T-shirt looks towards the camera.
WHAT YOUR SUPPORT MAKES POSSIBLE

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 ACTION
0
Young people supported in 2025
0 %
Improved their mental health, measured using NHS scales
0 %
Improved or maintained their housing; nobody’s situation deteriorated
0
Young people moved into education, employment or training

REAL 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 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

MAKE THE MILES MANAGEABLE

1,000 MILES IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK.

No one takes on the distance alone. Share the miles across your team-every walk, wheel, jog or run adds to the total.

20 colleagues

= 1.6 miles each per day

35 colleagues

= less than 1 mile each per day

50 colleagues

= around 0.6 miles each per day

THESE EXAMPLES SHOW AN EVEN SPLIT, BUT EVERY COLLEAGUE CAN CONTRIBUTE DIFFERENTLY.

HOW IT WORKS

FOUR SIMPLE STEPS. ONE SHARED GOAL.

Bring colleagues together around one clear target. We’ll help you launch the challenge, keep people moving and fundraise throughout October.

  1. SIGN UP

    Register through GiveStar for £10 per runner. Nominate your internal contact and we’ll help you get started.

  2. BUILD YOUR TEAM

    Build a team across different locations, roles and abilities-including office-based, hybrid and remote colleagues.

  3. TRACK YOUR MILES

    Run, walk, wheel or move, then log each contribution towards your shared 1,000-mile total.

  4. FUNDRAISE TOGETHER

    Share your fundraising page, celebrate progress and help the campaign reach its ambition.

YOU ORGANISE YOUR TEAM. WE’LL PROVIDE THE GUIDANCE, COACHING AND ENCOURAGEMENT.

WHAT COMPANIES RECEIVE

A CHALLENGE BUILT AROUND YOUR PEOPLE.

Bring teams together, support wellbeing and create a clear fundraising story—with practical help from The Running Charity throughout.

TEAM CONNECTION AND WELLBEING

Give colleagues across teams and locations a shared goal to work towards and celebrate together.

COACHING SUPPORT

Access practical training guidance and coaching support shaped around your team.

A CREDIBLE CSR STORY

Connect visible progress and funds raised with a clear social-impact story for communications and reporting.

VISIBLE MOMENTUM

Use team totals and fundraising milestones to keep colleagues involved throughout October.

A TIMELY COMMUNICATIONS HOOK

Connect your activity to World Mental Health Day and World Homeless Day on 10 October.

MATCH FUNDING

If available, company match funding can increase the value of your team’s fundraising.

WE CAN SHAPE THE SUPPORT AROUND YOUR TEAM, LOCATIONS AND FUNDRAISING AMBITION.

YOUR SUPPORT TEAM

WORLD-CLASS COACHING AND SUPPORT

From coaching and wellbeing to fundraising, you’ll have experienced people to turn to throughout the challenge.

Chevy

Wellbeing and Performance Lead

With more than a decade of coaching experience, Chevy delivers practical workshops that build confidence, wellbeing and team connection.

Claude

Running Coach and TRC Graduate

A Spirit of London winner and TRC graduate, Claude combines lived experience with expert coaching to help every participant feel welcome and capable.

Seb

Engagement and Fundraising Support

World-record holder for the fastest run around Iceland, Seb offers personal fundraising ideas, practical advice and encouragement throughout the challenge.

Carmen

Wellbeing and Inclusion Coach

With a background supporting women through running and wellbeing, Carmen helps create an inclusive experience where people feel confident, welcome and supported.

Russ

Challenge Ambassador & Hardest Geezer

After running the length of Africa, Russ brings extraordinary endurance experience, honest motivation and big-challenge energy to inspire your team.

QUESTIONS? WE’VE GOT ANSWERS.

EVERYTHING YOUR COMPANY NEEDS TO KNOW.

Clear answers on cost, time, participation and support before you register.

How much does it cost to register a team?

Registration costs £10 per runner. This gives your team access to the challenge, plus practical guidance, coaching and fundraising support from The Running Charity. Any bespoke or additional activity will be agreed with your company.

How much time will employees need to commit?

There is no fixed daily distance or schedule. Colleagues can contribute before work, at lunchtime, after work or at weekends, and every mile is combined across the team throughout October.

Does everyone need to be a runner?

No. People can run, walk, wheel or move at a pace and distance that works for them. The 1,000 miles is your team’s shared total, not an individual target.

Can remote or hybrid employees take part?

Yes. Office-based, hybrid and remote colleagues can contribute wherever they are, including across different sites and time zones. Every mile is added to the same team total.

What support will our team receive?

Your team will receive practical guidance, coaching, encouragement and personalised fundraising support. Depending on the agreed offer, support may also include training plans, check-ins, in-person activity and wellbeing workshops. Additional experiences linked to fundraising milestones, including a possible visit or talk from Russ Cook, are subject to availability.

What does our company need to organise?

Nominate one internal contact to invite colleagues, share updates and keep the team engaged. We’ll provide the core challenge materials, guidance and support, so you won’t be starting from scratch.

REGISTRATION POWERED BY GIVESTAR

REGISTER YOUR TEAM FOR OCTOBER 2026

Registration costs £10 per runner. Set up your team through GiveStar, invite your colleagues and start building towards 1,000 miles. Funds raised will support The Running Charity’s work with young people facing homelessness and mental health challenges.
Register
Thanks to our supporters