Churches Walking Challenge 2026

Following the success of last two year’s walking challenge, we were excited to bring it back again for 2026.

With May marking both Mental Health Awareness Month and National Walking Month, it felt like the perfect opportunity to encourage everyone across the business to get outside, enjoy some fresh air, and move more throughout the month.

We know that physical activity can have a positive impact on both physical and mental wellbeing. Something as simple as getting outdoors for a walk can help reduce stress, improve mood, boost energy levels, and encourage healthier daily habits. This challenge is all about supporting those positive changes while also bringing colleagues together in a fun and motivating way.

The Walking Challenge

Throughout May, staff were being encouraged to record their walking and running activities and compete to complete the highest number of kilometres by the end of the month. Whether it’s was a lunchtime walk, an evening run, walking the dog, or choosing to leave the car at home, every kilometre counts.

Alongside the challenge, we also shared mental health resources and encouraged open conversations around wellbeing, helping to raise awareness and support for Mental Health Awareness Month.

The challenge saw fantastic engagement across the team, with colleagues embracing the opportunity to get active and support one another along the way. It’s been great to see the friendly competition building and hear positive feedback about how the challenge encouraged people to spend more time outdoors and stay active during the working day.

Success of the Challenge

Our team completed an incredible number of kilometres over the month, and we received lots of positive feedback on how the challenge encouraged everyone to get outside and active.

Congratulations to Aaron for completing an incredible 352.6km over the month, coming in first place. Jennifer and Kasia took second and third place, both with impressive amounts of activity taking place.

First place prize was choosing a charity to donate £1000 to. Aaron has chosen to donate the money to an amazing charity, PoetsIN. PoetsIN is The Creative Mental Health Charity set up by two individuals who have lived-experience of mental ill-health diagnoses and a shared experience of coping with their symptoms. It was this shared experience that motivated Paul and Sammie (founders) to utilised their creative coping and management strategies to give others a voice and help them on their journey to recovery.

The team at PoetsIN help those that struggle with mental health and wellbeing by providing specialised creative workshops and educating those who don’t struggle but that want to know more about mental health, wellbeing and how to keep their minds healthy.

Find out more about the charity and the work they do here.