Looking to take on a fitness challenge this year? From 5km races with a twist to scenic cycles or tough obstacle courses, there's a wide range of different events and festivals on this summer where you can get in shape without having to hit the gym – but with registration filling up fast, it's time to start planning your training routine!
We've rounded up the best fitness challenges you'll want to sign up to…
Color Vibe 5K
Looking for a race with a twist? Then head to one of the Color Vibe events being held across Bristol, Edinburgh, London and Essex. This fun event sees runners racing by as onlookers throw colourful powder at them, for a striking rainbow coloured finish! Children are welcome so make it a fun family day out, or head with friends and see who can finish covered in the most powder. The 5km course isn't timed so there's no pressure to beat a record – simply run and have fun!
Adult tickets cost £29, kids' entrance is £15. For more information head to uk.thecolorvibe.com.
The Keswick Mountain Festival
If you're a fan of the great outdoors, you'll definitely want to check out this festival nestled in Keswick, Cumbria. Camp amidst the beautiful scenery and enjoy the live music and food stalls, while also trying out different climbing, hiking, water and running activities –there's even moonlight canoeing! So if you're considering taking on a new outdoor activity, don't hesitate to sign up for the taster sessions…
The Keswick Mountain Festival will take place Thursday 19 to Sunday 22 May. Camping tickets - adult tickets start at £60, family tickets at £155. For more information head to keswickmountainfestival.co.uk
North Face® #NeverStopMarathon events
Want to try 26.2 miles worth of exercise without attempting a full marathon? North Face® has created a series of challenges to help you do just that. Complete the outdoor events including trail runs, climbing sessions and athletics training sessions which together total the length of a marathon – and they're all completely free. Simply register for the classes on Facebook – there's sessions on different dates so you can complete the challenges no matter what your schedule.
For more information head to facebook.com/neverstoplondon
Take on the Three Peaks
Not for the faint-hearted, this challenge will see participants taking on the UK's three highest mountains in just 24 hours, fundraising for The MS Society. Between Friday 17 to Sunday 19 June, qualified mountain leaders will navigate you through the three peaks. Starting with Ben Nevis on the Saturday morning, you'll then Scafell Pike that night and finish off the weekend by climbing Snowdon.
Registration is £99 with a minimum donation pledge of £650. For more information head to mssociety.org/ms-events/three-peaks-challenge
The Wellscene's Rooftop Fitness Fest
Taking place on Saturday 9 July, this festival is every fitness fan's dream – live music, celebrity personal trainers hosting classes, food stalls packed with healthy meals and treats and bars serving cold-pressed juice and coconut water. There's even a relaxation area if you want to get massages or mini facials, for a full day of detoxing!
Tickets cost £29.50. Classes need to be booked separately and start at £5. For more information head to the wellscene.club/rooftop-fitness-fest
Great North Swim
Europe's biggest open water swimming event returns on Friday 10 June with around 10,000 participants. Taking place over three days, swimmers of all abilities can take the plunge into the stunning Windermere, taking on a range of distances – and if you want to really make a weekend of it, you can invite friends and family along to see the gorgeous surroundings of the Lake District National Park.
Prices start from £35. For more information head to greatswim.org
Rave and Ride
Get in shape and help a good cause at this indoor cycling event on Saturday 14 May at Stoke Park, where you can take to studio bikes while the UK's biggest DJs play sets, all to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. Organised by entrepreneur Steven Smith who lost his mum to MND, The event also aims to break two world records for the scale of the event and the number of people taking part – already over 1000 people have signed up!
Tickets are £45 including World Record Medal and World Record Holder t-shirt. Tickets for 8 hour static cycle are £95 plus minimum sponsorship of £150. For more information head to raveandride.com
Toughest Obstacle Race
Head to Pippingford Park on Saturday 23 April for this innovative obstacle race which makes its UK debut this year - with over 40 different obstacles, expect to be running, jumping and climbing through the 8km course across muddy and wet terrain, both on the ground and elevated platforms. There's fast lanes and penalty rounds to really push participants – but the event does cater to all levels of fitness, whether beginner or intermediate so you can choose the course that works best for you.
Tickets cost £95. For more information head to toughest.se/en
Shock Absorber WomenOnly Triathlon
Want to attempt a triathlon for the first time? Then this women-only event is ideal. There's a First-Timer Wave introduced specifically for novices, where you can start in a smaller group and focus on a 200m swim, 5.3km bike ride and 2.5km run. If you're already a triathlon fan, there's also longer distances for more of a challenge – and as a bonus, you'll be helping to raise money for the event's charity partner Breast Cancer Care.
Tickets start at £40. For more information head to humanrace.co.uk
New Forest Spring Challenge
Cyclists can take part in this 50km course on Sunday 8 May, for a scenic ride through picturesque villages and forest trails. Suitable for cyclists of all levels, you'll pass through the area's biggest landmarks and go through villages with leafy glades and wildlife including New Forest Ponies. This is more a leisurely cycle than a race – you can even stop at local shops if you want a short break.
Tickets cost £5 including Route sheet, brevet card and refreshments at the finish line. For more information head to cyclingnewforest.org
