Running Into The New Year

Start 2027 with a goal worth chasing.

Running Into The New Year is a month-long virtual challenge from The Running Bug, encouraging you to complete 50 miles during the 31 days of January.

There’s no requirement to complete the distance in one go. Split your 50 miles across as many runs, walks or treadmill sessions as you like and build your total gradually throughout the month.

Whether you’re starting a new fitness journey, returning after a break, preparing for a bigger event or simply looking for motivation through January, this challenge gives you a clear target to work towards.

Event Details
Dates: 1–31 January 2027
Challenge: 50 miles
Location: Anywhere in the world
Activity: Run, walk or jog
Reward: Limited edition Running Into The New Year medal
Suitable for: All abilities

What's Involved?
The goal is simple:

Complete 50 miles before the end of January.

How you reach that total is completely up to you.

You could run a few miles several times each week, build your total through daily walks, combine running and walking or use a treadmill when the weather isn’t on your side.

Every mile contributes towards your overall 50-mile target, and you can divide the distance across as many activities as you need.

That works out at an average of approximately 1.6 miles per day, making it a challenging but achievable way to build consistency throughout January.

Complete It Your Way

One of the biggest advantages of a virtual challenge is flexibility.

Complete your miles:

🏃 Around your local streets
🌳 Through parks
🌲 Along trails and countryside routes
🚶 While walking
🏋️ On a treadmill
👫 With friends or family
🏃‍♀️ As part of your normal training

There are no fixed start times and no requirement to travel to a particular venue.

Your miles. Your pace. Your January challenge.

A Great January Motivation Challenge

January is often the month when people set new goals, but maintaining motivation can be the hardest part.

Having a 50-mile target gives you something measurable to work towards throughout the entire month.

This challenge could be ideal if you want to:

Start running regularly in 2027
Build a consistent walking habit
Return to exercise after a break
Add structure to your January training
Build mileage towards a spring event
Challenge yourself to become more active
Begin the year with a meaningful achievement
Suitable for All Abilities

You don't need to be an experienced distance runner.

Because the 50 miles can be accumulated throughout January, participants can adapt the challenge around their current fitness level.

Walk some miles, run others or mix the two together.

The Running Bug describes the event as suitable for everyone from beginners through to experienced runners.

What Happens After The Challenge?
Once you have completed your challenge, simply go to our website and upload a screenshot of your activity on our secure submission form https://the-running-bug.com/submit-your-evidence/