PACT’s popular challenge returns bigger, better and completely free to enter, making it more accessible than ever this year!
There are four flexible challenges to take part in over the 31 days of May:
- 26.2 miles for adults 🧑🦼
- Ultra for the super keen wishing to complete multiple marathons 🏃♂️
- Mini Marathon of 10 miles for children under 10 🚴
- Walkiethon for pets – which was such a huge hit last year! 🐕
Participants can walk, run, wheel, cycle or mix it up, and can take part individually or together as a family, workplace team, school or group of friends.
With so much flexibility, Marathon in May is a challenge anyone can do. Those looking to get more active can break down the miles into achievable chunks, and for Walkiethon participants, just 2,000 steps a day is enough to cover the distance. Others may choose to compete for the top of the leaderboard by clocking up bigger distances.
Many families and friends complete the challenge together and find it a fun and motivating way to keep active with their children and animal companions.
For 2026, registration is completely free, and everyone taking part will receive a downloadable welcome pack, printable colouring sheets to track progress, and a digital certificate.
Participants are encouraged to raise or donate what they can, and those who raise £26 or more will receive an exclusive Marathon in May medal at the end of the challenge. Additional medals are also available to purchase for children and pets taking part.
Jeanie, who took part in the challenge last year said: “Taking part with Asha, my dog, was great fun. We both walked loads, Asha also ran and swam, and I went off on a cycling weekend. (Asha hasn’t mastered cycling yet!) Knowing every step or pedal push was helping PACT’s amazing work, spurred me on to do more walks which, unsurprisingly, Asha didn’t complain about! I’m very grateful for all the friends who supported us both.”
Heather, who took part with her dog Hamish, added: “This was mine and Hamish’s first Marathon in May and we loved it. It was great to get out and explore new places whilst supporting such important work – bring on next year!”
Find out more and sign up here.
