Ways to enjoy running this festive period

Do you love running? Are you excited for the festive season? Are you looking for ways to combine the two? We have some ideas to inspire you to get active this festive season. Whether you’re going running on your own, with your running club, or with your RunTogether group, there are ways for everyone to get involved!

Are you looking to mix up your sessions?

As the evenings are getting even colder and darker, everyone needs a little more inspiration to get out and get active! Try something new with your group. Here is some festive inspiration:

• Christmas Strava art run – get creative and run in the shape of a reindeer, snowman, or Christmas tree.
• Run in Christmas fancy dress or Christmas jumpers – get those Santa hats out and run your favourite route.
• Christmas lights run – explore the best Christmas light in your local area. This could also be a walk to include those less confident about getting active.
• Food bank run – it is the season for giving, so get your group together and bring your items to donate to the local food bank. Plan your run to finish at the food bank to give directly to those who need it most this winter (be sure to check opening hours before setting off).
• Mental Elf run – give your December #RunAndTalk a festive twist!

Looking for the perfect festive social idea?

Running is not just good for physical and mental wellbeing, but also for socialising. Be sure to celebrate the friends you have made through our sport and get together this December. This is also a great chance to reach out to new people in the community who may be injured or not ready to complete a run yet.

• Secret Santa
• Christmas dinner social

Looking for a festive challenge?

If you are a Run Leader or coach looking for challenges for your group this month, then look no further. Encourage all members to get involved and enjoy running this festive season.

• Run in a Santa Dash – this is the perfect relaxed event if you are taking part for the first or 50th time!
• Selfie with a Christmas tree – who can take the most selfies with different Christmas trees whilst out on their run.
• A Christmas photo challenge – why not challenge your group to capture a picture of each individual letter to spell out the word Christmas. They can get creative with their photos.
• Set your group a fun milestone to target, for example to run until they find an inflatable Santa.
• Race to deliver your Christmas cards – bringing out the competitive streak in everyone, whilst getting an important job done. If you deliver local cards, you can even save on postage!

This time of year is not full of joy for everyone. Even if your sessions take a break over the holidays, please remember to check in with your running group. Your never know how much difference simply lending a listening ear my make.

Do you want to share these challenges with your RunTogether group?