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Inspirational Fitness Challenges for 2024

Looking for a fun, achievable goal to set yourself in 2024? Don’t miss these inspiring walking and running challenges based in the UK. 

A New Year brings with it renewed enthusiasm for planning your next big challenge or adventure! For our #TeamMontane athletes, our ultra events will be focussing their energies as they gear up for some of the toughest challenges on the planet. But these races have been designed for experienced ultra runners who are at the peak of their physical fitness. So what about the rest of us?

For keen adventurers, there are tons of amazing fitness challenges to try across the UK. Your chance to put some fire in your belly and to get excited for the better weather to come. So for those of you who aren’t quite at the pro ultra running level (just yet), but are eager to take their running (or walking) to the next level this year, take a look at these ideas to get started…

Outside Hope Valley Round

Since its launch in 2022, this route has become a must-do challenge in the UK! For those unfamiliar, the Outside Hope Valley Round is a satisfying 20-mile loop taking you on a fun, rollercoaster journey through the heart of the Peak District National Park.

Perfect for walkers and runners alike, it’s a great challenge for anyone eager to get out for a fun day in the hills! Starting and finishing at the Outside shop in Hathersage, means you can refuel and relive the highlights over a lovely cuppa and slice of cake too.  Want to find out more about this inspiring challenge? #TeamMontane’s Jen Scotney shares her favourite parts of the loop in this insightful blog.

Hope Valley Round

George Fisher's Tea (& Espresso) Round

The Tea Round is a 30+ mile challenge with 12000+ft of ascent, starting and finishing at the doors of George Fisher’s, Keswick.  The aim being to summit a set number of peaks in any order you fancy, with the Espresso Round being shorter.  We have partnered with GF to support the round, providing badges and T-shirts for anyone who completes. Both challenges can be run or walked, dependant on your fitness level.

Montane are also match-funding all donations generated to Fix the Fells from both Tea & Espresso rounds, helping to protect the mountains we all love so much. Learn more about this epic challenge in the Lake District in our dedicated guide to the George Fischer Tea Round.

Bag a Munro

Heading up to Scotland for a holiday this year? Home to some of the UK's most awe-inspiring mountain climbs, including 282 Munros - you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to taking on a fun walking or running challenge! For those unsure of where to begin, hear from #TeamMontane’s Bee Leask, who shares a handy guide of what munro bagging is all about, as well as rounding up her top 5 favourite Munros

Munro Bagging

Set a Fastest Known Time

FKT’s, an acronym for Fastest Known Time, became all the rage during the covid-19 pandemic, and their popularity shows no sign of slowing down! Simply put, it’s the fastest recorded time of a challenge and can be as unique and creative, or well known, as you like.

Sound good? #TeamMontane’s Tom Hollins has smashed several FKT’s in his time and shares his journey so far. Discover his guide to FKTs to find out how you could take on your own.

Tom Hollins