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Daily Mile Challenge 2026

2nd March - 29th March 2026

 

What is the Daily Mile Challenge?

The Daily Mile Challenge is a 28 day challenge that encourages Northumbria students and staff to incorporate at least one mile of movement into their daily routines. Whether you're already active or just starting your fitness journey, this challenge is for everyone!

 

Why Take Part?

Regular daily movement has been proven to deliver significant benefits:

• Increased daily activity levels - Build sustainable habits that last beyond the challenge

• Improved cognitive function - Enhanced focus, concentration, and academic performance

• Better mental health - Reduced anxiety and improved mood through regular exercise

• Enhanced physical wellbeing - Improved cardiovascular health and fitness

• Reduced stress - A daily opportunity to disconnect and reset

• Community connection - Join fellow students and staff in a shared goal

 

How It Works

Challenge yourself to complete at least one mile of movement every day for 28 consecutive days.

The beauty of this challenge is flexibility - complete your mile wherever, whenever, and however suits you each day.

Whether you complete your mile using traditional methods such as walking, running, swimming, or cycling, or get creative and row, paddleboard, or mountain bike, every mile counts!

Incorporate it into your daily commute to university, use it to take a study break, or make time for it throughout the day!

 

What Can You Win?

Stay motivated throughout the challenge with chances to win:

• Daily prizes - Enter a prize draw each day you log a mile

• Weekly prizes - Prize draws for participants who complete every day from Monday to Sunday that week

• Grand prize - Our biggest prize draw for participants who complete all 28 days of the challenge

You can view the prizes here (including details of the Sunday Bonus Draw).

 

Sunday Bonus Draw

Every Sunday, you'll have the chance to enter a special bonus prize draw.

To enter the Sunday Bonus Draw:

• Complete one activity that covers your daily mile and includes the listed Sunday bonus challenge
• Log the activity on Strava and include the bonus challenge in your post

If you don't complete the bonus challenge:

• Simply complete and log your regular daily mile
• You'll still be entered into the regular daily prize draw (but not the bonus draw)

Important: You do not need to complete the bonus challenge to maintain your weekly or overall challenge streak or to remain eligible for weekly and monthly prize draws. 

 

How to Sign Up

Getting started is easy:

1. Complete the registration form

2. Join our Strava group - Connect with fellow participants and track your progress

3. Log your miles daily - Record each day's activity on Strava to validate your participation

 

Ready to Get Started?

The 2026 Daily Mile Challenge runs from Monday 2nd March to Sunday 29th March. Whether you're aiming to establish a new routine, improve your wellbeing, or simply enjoy the satisfaction of completing a challenge, we'd love to have you involved.

 

Sign up today and take the first step towards a healthier, more active you!

 

FAQS

When will prize draws be done? 

• Daily prizes - drawn the day after, expcept Friday, Saturday and Sundays will be drawn on a Monday
• Weekly prizes - drawn on Mondays
• Monthly prizes - drawn on Monday 30th March 2026

Prize winners will be annouced on the Strava group. Winners will be contacted via email. 

 

What is the Sunday Bonus Draw?

In addition to the daily prize draw, there will be a donus draw every Sunday!

How to enter:

• You can do as many Sunday Bonus Draw Challenges as you like. Simply do the challenge for that specific date and enter using the specific information.
• Track your activity on Strava and include the bonus challenge in your Strava post
• You'll be entered into the bonus prize draw - and you'll still be entered into the regular prize draw!

 

Can I join the challenge late?

You can join the challenge at any time, and will still be eligible for daily and weekly prize draws. However, if you join late, you won't be eligible for the monthly prize draw.

 

Any questions, please contact harriet.legg@northumbria.ac.uk