From the country trails of the South Downs and open water swimming in the Lake District, to cycling the streets of London, this list of five extreme fitness challenges has something for everyone to try in 2019…
1. Race to the King – The Run
Now in its fourth year, Race to the King is an award winning double marathon across the South Downs which takes place on 22nd and 23rd June 2019. The event will see 1,500 people of all ages, fitness levels, walk, jog or run the spectacular 53- mile route along the stunning South Downs Way to the steps of Winchester Cathedral. The event is designed for everyone from experienced ultra-runners to weekend walkers. Participants have the option to take on the course nonstop, in one day, or camp overnight at the fully serviced base camp. There are a range of packages on offer including: Double Marathon nonstop for £124 or £39 charity entry; two day weekender including camping £194 or £59 charity entry; two day weekender excluding camping for £104.
For more information or to sign up visit: www.racetotheking.com
2. Great North Swim – The Swim
The Great North Swim is Europe’s biggest open-water swimming event. The event takes place in the Lake District, Brockhole on Windermere between Friday 7th June and Sunday 9th June. The event will see 10,000 swimmers dive into Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake at 10.5 miles long (17km), stretching from Ambleside in the North to Newby Bridge in the South. With distances to suit all levels and abilities you can enjoy a weekend in the great outdoors with friends and family. Take your pick from 250 metres, 1/2 a mile, 1 mile, 2 miles, 5k or a 10k. Prices start from £15 per entry up to £85.
For more information or to enter the event visit https://www.greatrun.org/great-swim/great-north-swim
3. London Triathlon Series – The Tri
Attracting over 11,000 participants and 30,000 spectators each year, this iconic triathlon has become a must-do event in the sporting calendar. The London Triathlon takes place at the ExCeL Centre, Royal Victoria Dock and has a unique urban route, that allows participants to swim, bike & run past the iconic landmarks of our capital. The 2019 London Triathlon will take place on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th July! There are 4 adult distances available: Super Sprint, Sprint, Olympic and Olympic Plus. Prices start from £69.99.
For more information or to sign up to one of the events visit: https://livetotri.co.uk/london/entries/
4. The Ultra Beast Spartan Race- The Obstacle
If you are looking for a competitive obstacle race to try in 2019 then look no further than the Spartan Race series. With events taking place across the UK and Ireland, Spartan is more than just an obstacle course. With a range of different events you can navigate 20 obstacles over 5km, 25 obstacles over 13km or 30 obstacles over a half marathon-plus distance. If that’s not enough then you can sign up for one of the ultra-endurance races, including the Ultra Beast format of 60+ obstacles over 50km.
For more information or to sign up to one of the events visit: https://www.spartanrace.uk/
5. Dulux London Revolution – The Cycle
The 8th Dulux London Revolution, the UK’s largest two day cycling sportive takes place on 11th and 12th May. The unforgettable weekend will see more than 2,000 cyclists of all ages and abilities ride 300km around the capital. The 360 degree loop will take cyclists past incredible views and iconic London landmarks through hidden green lanes and picturesque villages, over testing climbs and down sleeping descents. For those looking to push the boundaries and test their mental and physical endurance, the ULTRA package gives riders the option to tackle the demanding 300km in one day. A range of packages are on offer over the weekend; including Two day cycling including camping at £199; two days cycling excluding camping at £109; the ULTRA at £149.
For more information or to sign up visit www.london-revolution.com
If extreme fitness challenges aren’t quite for you…
Then be sure to check out some other roundups we’ve done:
You can also check out our Events Calendar to see what might be coming up in a town or city near you!
