Play Simply Live | 153 Mile Challenge

My 153 Mile Challenge

"The magic is in the man not the 100 miles"

Bill Bowerman, co-founder of Nike

What is the 153 Mile Challenge?

'The 153 Mile Challenge is a cheap and easy way to get your family and friends more active, lose weight and explore new places. Anyone can do the challenge; at any age; anywhere; alone or with friends and the concept of the challenge is really simple "travel 153 miles by human power and raise money for registered charities in the process"*.

* Cars, planes, trains and other transport methods are allowed as a transition but do not count towards your 153 mile total. The basic challenge is walking or running but you can do a wheelchair, bike, swim or skate challenge instead.

Need inspiration? Check out the wall on our Facebook Page and see what other people are doing. Some examples of 153 Mile Challenges are: Run 6 marathons or 1 Spartathlon; Cycle 'Coast to Coast'; Go on a 'Round the World' back packing trip; Organise a sponsored skate party; Go for a family of 4 bike ride every Sunday for 3 months; Organise a 3 mile walking relay for 51 people; Use your regular training miles or treadmill miles if you run to stay fit, put your pedometer on at work and count all your steps until you reach 306,000 steps. The list of ways to get active is endless.

Starting the 153 Mile Challenge

The best place to start is with the 153 Mile Walk/Run Challenge. This challenge is really simple. You just need to plan the challenge, pack your pedometer and GO! In fact the real secret to completing the challenge is to just step out of the door and start walking. You can step out alone or with friends, at any age or fitness level and you just need to keep going step by step to go the distance.

If you are inspired to try any of the 153 Mile Challenges, you should make sure that you are healthy enough to begin. Check with your doctor if you are unsure. Be inspired by the distance and other people’s stories, but set your own pace and make sure you research and understand the technical aspects of the challenge you choose. At some point as you “go longer” you will also need to understand how to ‘convert your food into fuel’; how to ‘stay hydrated’ (you can die, so take it seriously!); how to ‘stay stranger, sun and street safe’ (especially if you are a child). This means being aware of what is going on around you, letting someone know where you are going, taking a mobile phone and preparing for how the weather may change dramatically. It goes without saying that if you set yourself an Extreme 153 Mile Challenge you should make sure you have a guide, support team and get insurance. The British Mountaineering Council, http://www.thebmc.co.uk, offer great insurance packages and you get discount on your kit in a number of outdoor shops.

Click Here to Get Involved in the Challenge