The Run
Christmas Challenge
Experience the magic of running this festive season by taking on the Great Run Solo Christmas Challenge.
Great Run Solo Christmas Challenge
The challenge is simple, complete 12 runs or walks (of any distance) during December, and you’ll earn a fabulously festive Christmas-themed medal, which doubles as a coaster, so that you can celebrate your success all year long.
Plus, you’ll receive a bespoke digital certificate to mark your miles and give you some serious bragging rights.
If you’re joining us at a 2025 Great Run event, then this is the perfect tool to kickstart your training and ensure you’re race-day-ready.
Entering costs just £15*, which includes access to our cracking tracking tool, a majestic medal, and a digital certificate for finishers. All entrants will also receive access to our exclusive Great Run Rewards with Endurance Zone, giving you fantastic offers and deals from some of the biggest sports brands in the industry, just in time for your Christmas shopping!
The festive season is here – are you ready for the challenge? Sign up today and conquer the Great Run Solo Christmas Challenge with holiday cheer!
(Additional booking fee of £3.50 for overseas participants to cover the cost of shipping)
What Makes it Great?
Exclusive Christmassy medal-meets-tree decoration
Log your runs with our online tracking tool
Run anytime, any place to suit you
Personalised digital finisher certificate
Distance challenge award
Access to training tips and support
Exclusive access to our Great Run Rewards
Complete the 12 Runs of Christmas
Your runs can be of any distance as take on your running challenge this December. Just make sure you do at least 12 runs (or walks) by the end of the month to smash this festive challenge. You’ll receive your very own Christmassy medal as a lasting memento of all the miles you’ve covered. With delivery before Christmas Day, you can display it with pride for the whole festive season.
(OPTIONAL) DISTANCE AWARD
Fancy an extra challenge? We have three optional distances for you to aim for. Depending on how far you travel over your 12 (or more) runs/walks, we’ll award you a special digital finisher’s certificate to download and share.
From 1st December, you can log your runs with our online tracker, or use your own tracking app or device to record your activity if you prefer. Once you’ve completed all your runs and reached your target distance, submit your results and we’ll have your digital finisher’s certificate ready.
Great Run Solo Seasonal Challenges
1/3
Spring Challenge
Summer Challenge
Halloween Challenge
Active Advent Calendar
Our active advent calendar is back, for an extra Christmas challenge, see how many of these mini challenges you can tick off.
1 Santa Hat Spring – run whilst wearing your best Santa Hat! Be sure to share it with us on social media using #GreatRunSolo
2 Reindeer Route – plan a running route in the shape of a reindeer. Then check out your map art afterwards on Strava, share your screenshot with us to show off your creativity.
3 Sweet Treat Time – Treat yourself to a Christmas snack (mince pie, gingerbread, candy cane) after completing one of your runs/walks. Share your post-run treat on social media.
4 Frosty Fastest Mile – See how fast you can run or walk one mile and share your time. What better way to get in the Festive spirit than by clocking a new PB.
5 Snowflake Selfie – Grab a elfie selfie with anything festive you come across during your run, share it with us using #GreatRunSolo
6 Winter Warm-Up – Do a fun holiday-themed warm-up before your run, such as dancing to a Christmas song.
7 Christmas Carol Karaoke – make a Christmas playlist and sing-along during your run. Bonus points for sending your video to us.
8 Warm and Cosy Run – It’s time to run in your warmest winter gear. It’s time to cosy up in your gloves, scarves, and maybe even a Christmas jumper.
9 Tree Tracker – Count the number of Christmas trees you see while out on a run. Try to find as many as possible in a single outing.
10 Festive Finish Line – Create your own homemade finish line using Christmas decorations. Cross the finish line and share your celebrations.
11 Winter Walk – dedicate one day to doing a leisurely walk if you are planning to run. Take in all of the Christmas scenery along the way.
12 Christmas Eve Fun – go for a Christmas Eve run and see the festive season out in style.
Solo Reminder
Sign up below for updates and to be notified when the next Great Run Solo challenge opens. We’ll also provide you with useful running information and guidance, special offers and exclusive Great Run Series event updates (you can unsubscribe at any time).
The Runners’ Guide to Christmas
The school holidays are upon us and for many parents there is suddenly a lot less free time to be utilised. Running doesn’t have to be a casualty during these six weeks – here’s our guide to keeping the balance in check until September Read More.
Top Tips for Running in the Winter Season
As the colder, darker nights start to draw in, it’s time to start thinking about how we will continue with our training and improve our performance during the winter months. We spoke to Commonwealth champion, gold-medal athlete and Great Run Ambassador, Eilish McColgan, to get her top tips for running… Read More.
Should You Train With A Cold?
We answer the tricky question every athlete has to ask themselves at least once or twice a year Read More.
Power Up Your Porridge
Two ways to keep your humble bowl of oats interesting Read More.
Plan a new running route
It’s easy to get stuck in a running route rut. Keep boredom at bay and plan a new running route. Hey, we’re all human – and if sticking to the routes we know and love saves us a few minutes of deliberation and decision-making, chances are we’re going to go… Read More.
Strava Group
Look at our Strava group, where thousands of Great Run Solo runners already hang out and support each other with training tips & progress.
The Challenge
Christmas Challenge
How it works
(and before entries close on Thursday 11 December)
the challenge (optional)
Challenge FAQ
If you have questions about the Great Run Solo Christmas Challenge, see our FAQ section.
The Reward
Christmas Challenge
Complete 12 runs (or more) to earn yourself a special Christmas medal!
A Bespoke Medal
All challenge participants will receive a snow stopping medal!
Each Great Run Solo Challenge comes with its own uniquely designed medal – but there’s more! These aren’t just medals, they double up as coasters, and when you complete all four challenges, they connect to form a stunning set.
Your entry fee also includes access to our online tracking tool – live here on the challenge page from 1 December – as well as access to Great Run Rewards, and support throughout the challenge.
Digital finisher certificates are available to download (and share!) when you submit your results and are available to download until the results submission deadline on Wednesday 7 January.
Note for international runners: there is an additional £3.50 charge to cover medal postage.
