New Year challenges to keep canals running

If you can help raise money, we’ve shared some exciting challenges in London, Barcelona or even the canals of Amsterdam. But hurry, some of these entry deadlines are coming up quickly!  

You need to get off to a quick start to sign up to some major events around Europe as the clock’s counting down fast to join the Barcelona marathon passing Camp Nou, Sagrada Familia, the Parc de Cuitdadella and La Rambla. You only have until 18 January to apply for this event on the 16 March 2025. 

And don’t hang around for your chance to cycle 307 miles from London to Amsterdam in September either. Please get your application in before the end of the month 31 January for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 

The finishing line is also in sight for the Bath Half Marathon. To join 15,000 other runners on a flat course beside the River Avon in this city of hills, you need to submit your application before early February. 

The Hackney half marathon isn’t quite so imminent. In mid-May, the whole borough comes alive for a weekend of running fun, with a route that takes you along the River Lea and into Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The closing date for applications to this wonder event is 5 March.

But if you want to step up to an even bigger challenge and help raise at least £2,000, there are still much-prized places available for the TCS London Marathon too.  

Wherever you live in the country, our regional events offer something for everyone in the coming year. We love the idea of running wild in the Colchester Zoo Stampede for instance. Or taking on a Bungee challenge in Whitby, an inflatable race at Chatsworth or the Thames Path Trail Run in Windsor.  

Whichever challenge you take on this New Year, it’s good to know that you’ll be helping our charity take on the challenge of caring for 2,000 miles of 250-year-old canals and rivers.