2026 – 500 Miles Annual Challenge

2026 – 500 Miles Annual Challenge

2026 is the Year of the Horse — a symbol of strength, speed, and freedom! Keep that momentum charging forward all year long with this incredible annual challenge.

Run, walk, cycle, swim, or use a wheelchair — or mix it up however you like — to conquer 500 miles on our real-world interactive virtual map. Complete the challenge at your own pace, anywhere, anytime, and earn your exclusive 2026 Year of the Horse medal when you cross the finish line.

You’ll have from January 1st to 23:59 on December 31st, 2026 to complete your distance, and you can even count mileage from other Race The Distance events toward your total.

🏅 Your Medal

Our annual medals are our finest creations — measuring a huge 105mm across, 5mm thick, and weighing 112g. Finished in stunning chrome with intricate detailing, this medal is built to be a true showpiece worthy of your year-long effort.

🗺️ Real-World Routes

Every virtual route follows real-life roads and trails, taking you through towns, past famous landmarks, and even across countries. Set your sights on the next town along the map — it’s an adventure you’ll truly enjoy from start to finish!

💻 Submitting & Tracking Your Progress

You’ll receive a personalised tracking link to record your progress throughout the year.
Our real-time results system updates instantly with leaderboards sortable by age, gender, and country. You’ll even see your progress move across interactive live maps for an immersive experience!

Tracking links will be emailed at the end of December 2025, ready for the challenge launch.

🔗 Strava Connect

Uploading your progress couldn’t be easier — simply connect directly with Strava to automatically import your activities.
Don’t have Strava? No problem — you can also add activities manually at any time.

📜 Personalised Downloadable Certificate

Once you’ve completed your challenge, you’ll receive a personalised digital certificate showing your total results, distance, and activity details — the perfect keepsake to celebrate your 2026 achievement!