Picture yourself next summer, trekking across the breathtaking landscapes of the Cotswolds, with every stride contributing to a vital cause. Metro.co.uk is calling on readers to join its 2026 Lifeline challenge, an epic fundraising hike in support of the Alzheimer's Society.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, 2026, and will commence at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester. This is a unique opportunity to push your personal limits while raising crucial funds for individuals and families affected by dementia.
Choosing Your Challenge and Understanding Costs
Participants can tailor the experience to their fitness level by selecting one of three distances: 25km, 50km, or 100km. The 100km route offers the flexibility to be completed continuously or split over two days. The event is designed to be inclusive, welcoming walkers of all ages and abilities, whether you join solo or as part of a group.
Registration costs and fundraising targets vary by distance. For the 25km walk, you can choose to raise a minimum of £150 or £275. Opting for the higher target reduces your registration fee to £15, compared to £46 for the lower target. Fundraising for the 50km and 100km routes starts at £225 and £330 respectively.
Alzheimer's Society provides extensive fundraising support, and at least 50% of your target must be raised three weeks before the challenge. The remainder is due within four weeks of finishing the hike.
Preparation and Event Day Support
Once registered, you'll become part of Team Lifeline, gaining access to a dedicated Facebook community for training tips and motivation. As the event nears, you'll join a WhatsApp group for logistics and receive detailed emails from organisers Action Challenge.
On the day, Team Lifeline will have a dedicated meeting area before setting off. Well-stocked rest stops, or 'Ultra Challenge marquees', will appear every 10-15km along the route, offering toilets, medical support, massage, food, and drinks. All finishers will be rewarded with a medal, t-shirt, and a celebratory drink.
Top Tips from Veteran Lifeliners
Previous participants strongly advise thorough preparation to ensure an enjoyable experience. Their key recommendations include:
- Train on hills: The Cotswolds terrain is different from city streets.
- Use a hydration bladder for easier water access while walking.
- Break in your boots properly with long practice walks.
- Pack blister plasters, spare socks, and a waterproof rucksack cover.
- Bring a power bank to keep devices charged if tracking your route.
This challenge is not about being the fastest; it's about community, personal achievement, and making a tangible difference. Every step and every pound raised helps fund support and research for dementia.
