The festive season always seems to arrive in a rush. The shops are full of sparkly jumpers, the coffee cups have gone all Christmassy and I have already had to defrost my car more times than I would like to admit. It is cosy, chaotic and full of temptation which means staying active in December can feel like a bit of a mission.
If you are looking for something fun to keep you moving, the Run Up to Christmas challenge is a great option. It runs from 1 December to Christmas Day. With it being virtual, you can take part anywhere, at any pace, completely on your own terms. It is flexible, motivating, and ideal if you are juggling parties, family time, and fitness.
What Is Run Up to Christmas?
Run Up to Christmas is a festive themed virtual running event where you log as many miles as you want between 1 December and 25 December 2025. There is no need to run every day, it is not a run streak challenge, you simply set your own target and chip away at it throughout the month.
You can take part solo or build a team with your favourite running buddies. There are loads of milestones to aim for, from 25km all the way up to 2,500km, so you can keep it gentle or go big if you fancy a tougher challenge.
To join in, you just track your mileage using whatever running app you like. Strava links directly to the event platform but you can upload screenshots from any popular running app, watch, or even a treadmill. Once the challenge is over, you pop your final distance into your dashboard and that is you done.
Kids can get involved too. Their distances are not tracked, but they will still receive a medal as long as they stay active through December.
What You Get When You Join
There is something really lovely about this challenge because it blends fitness, fun, and community. Here is what you can expect.
- A festive medal Hit one of the official milestones and you will receive a shiny Christmas themed medal to add to your collection.
- Community vibes There are loads of runners taking part each year, sharing progress, cheering each other on, and generally keeping things upbeat during the cold darker days.
- Prizes and surprises Expect quirky mini challenges, prize draws and fun activities to keep you motivated across the 25 days.
- Supporting mental health Every entry helps support Mind, a fantastic mental health charity. It is a lovely way to stay active while making a positive impact.
Tips to Make the Most of Your December Miles
A few little tweaks can make the challenge feel much easier and way more enjoyable.
- Set a realistic goal Pick a distance that matches where your running is right now. December is busy enough, so give yourself a target that feels exciting but achievable.
- Create a simple plan Break your goal down into weekly chunks. Mix running and walking if you want to keep things gentle and build up your miles gradually.
- Lean on the community Join the event groups or chat to other runners on social media. Celebrating the little wins together is honestly half the fun.
- Make the most of your tech Whether you use Strava, Garmin, or a treadmill readout, tracking your progress gives you a real boost when the weather is grim.
- Celebrate everything First run of the month, hitting halfway, or smashing your final target, it all counts. Treat yourself along the way, it is Christmas after all.
Fancy Joining In?
The Run Up to Christmas challenge is such a fun way to stay active through December. It gives you a purpose, a community, and a festive medal at the end which always feels a bit special. If you want to join me this year, you can sign up here and let me know what distance you are aiming for.
