Swim, run, ride and row for charity: 10 challenges for 2026 in the UK, Europe and beyond

"SwimQuest's annual Isles of Scilly challenge is a 15km island-hopping swim, broken into five sessions with walks in between. The longest swim is the 6km leg from St Agnes to Bryher; the shortest is 600 metres from Bryher to Tresco; and the island walks in between are no longer than 45 minutes. Swimmers can opt to complete the challenge in one tough day, or space it out over two"

"Those who take part in Ultra Challenge treks can tackle walks, runs or cycles of various lengths in a wide range of locations across the UK With 18 annual events, Ultra Challenge is one of the UK's biggest series of treks and trail runs. Fundraising is optional but popular there are 600-plus charities to choose from and the events raise more than 12m a year for good causes."

"Despite the name, it doesn't have to be ultra-challenging; beginners can try a 10km taster trek, and build up to 25km, 50km or even 100km, and participants walk or run at their own pace. There's lots of support, too, from a training app to shuttle buses to the events, plus a medal, massage and meal at the end. Locations include coastlines and countryside in England and Wales; new this year is Scarborough to Whitby."

SwimQuest runs an Isles of Scilly 15km island-hopping swim broken into five sessions with short walks between islands. The longest swim is a 6km leg from St Agnes to Bryher; the shortest is 600 metres from Bryher to Tresco; island walks are no longer than 45 minutes. Participants can complete the challenge in one day or spread it over two; entry is £299 for the one-day event (20 September) or £379 for two days (17 and 18 September), with no minimum fundraising. Ultra Challenge stages 18 annual treks and trail runs across the UK with distances from 10km to 100km, optional fundraising for 600-plus charities raising more than £12m a year, and participant support including a training app, shuttle buses, medals, massages and meals. Railway Children’s Ride the Route is a three-day group cycle covering more than 200 miles along railway lines, requiring a moderate to good level of fitness and several hours of daily riding.

Read at www.theguardian.com