Global Challenge Events
Encephalitis International’s work rebuilding futures around the world by saving lives, accelerating awareness and driving research is only possible thanks to our fabulous fundraisers! Click here to watch a video and be inspired.
If you want to join our community of fundraisers taking on a challenge event, there are plenty of options!
Active global challenge events:
• RUN – tackle a 5k, marathon, 100k ultra, or anything in between!
• WALK – various challenge distances and locations to choose from!
• SWIM – will you take to the water for your next fundraising challenge?!
• CYCLE – whether you fancy trying a triathlon or a 4-day bike across Europe!
High-energy experiences:
• BUNGEE JUMP – test your head for heights – a sure adrenaline fix!
• INFLATABLE RUN – get ready to run, jump, bounce, slide and swing!
• TOUGH MUDDER – designed to test your physical strength and mental grit, with lashings of mud!
Already booked a challenge event? Tell the Fundraising Team!
Choose Your Challenge...
You can filter by Distance, Event Type and Location, or feel free to browse for inspiration!
Edinburgh Marathon Festival
The Edinburgh Marathon Festival offers a varied programme of events across the weekend, with kids races, 5km, 10km, half marathon and full marathon, including the Hairy Haggis Team Relay option for 4 runners.
Great North Run
The AJ Bell Great North Run is the world’s biggest half marathon, with 60,000 runners taking on the 13.1 mile route from Newcastle to South Shields. Register your interest for 2026!
Ultra Challenge - Walk, Jog, or Run
Whether along stunning coastlines, or trails through wonderful countryside, your Ultra Challenge® will be unforgettable. Walk, jog or run - take on a 10km, 25km, 50km 75km or even a 100km Ultra Challenge.
UK Challenges - Run, Tough Mudder, Bungee
Want to run your first 5k? Or how about the challenge of a marathon or obstacle race? There are plenty of challenge options in the UK to support us!
Global Running Challenges
Sight-seeing and running combine brilliantly for these global challenge events. Run through must-see cities and past iconic landmarks whilst supporting Encephalitis International!
Cycling Challenges
From short cycles to epic multi-day international rides, there is a huge range of cycling challenges to choose from. Get on your bike and support Encephalitis International!
SuperHalfs Series
The SuperHalfs Series brings together six epic destination half marathons which runners complete to secure their SuperMedal and a place in the SuperHalfs Hall of Fame. The events take place in Berlin, Cardiff, Copenhagen, Lisbon, Prague and Valencia. What an awesome challenge to take on in support of Encephalitis International!
Challenge Event FAQs
Entry costs and how to enter are shown on the webpage for each event - click the blue 'View Event' button for full details.
The majority of events have a set REGISTRATION FEE or DEPOSIT that you will need to pay to enter that event/challenge.
A DEPOSIT is refundable after the event if you meet the minimum FUNDRAISING TARGET, see more details in the next FAQ.
It depends on the event. This is explained on the webpage for each event - click the blue 'View Event' button for full details.
Some events are offered through partner event companies who ask for a DEPOSIT and set a minimum FUNDRAISING TARGET. In this case you will need to raise the FUNDRAISING TARGET in advance of the event, for your place to be guaranteed and for you to take part.
Some events have a REGISTRATION FEE you need to pay and they will indicate a MINIMUM SPONSORSHIP that we ask you to aim for. (Most supporters easily exceed this!)
Other events have a REGISTRATION FEE you need to pay and we ask you to fundraise as much as you can, with no minimum requirement.
Charity places in events often cost more (sometimes considerably more!) than standard entry places. Usually because entry is in high demand, with charity places guaranteeing entry, and/or because charity places provide access to otherwise 'sold out' events.
For some events, Encephalitis International will cover all or some of the entry costs so these events are accessible to more of our supporters. We know entry costs can sometimes prevent supporters signing up to these challenges for a variety of reasons.
Other events are offered through our partner event companies, who set their own FUNDRAISING TARGETS.
Asking our supporters to aim for MINIMUM SPONSORSHIP, or event companies setting FUNDRAISING TARGETS, offsets entry and administration costs. This ensures that we raise thousands of pounds each year, so our charitable work can continue.
For all events, the Fundraising Team will be available via email, telephone, or post to support you all the way!
We'll send you our Fundraising Guide - full of ideas, top tips and helpful information.
We also have lots of fundraising resources and plenty of experience to offer advice and answer your questions.