The beginning of a new year is a chance for a fresh start. Whether it is supporting a good cause or setting fitness goals, it’s the perfect time of the year to take on a new challenge. And with the London Winter Walk challenge just around the corner, you can do both and kickstart the year on a high!
Organised by Ultra Challenge, it is one of the best winter events to participate in for seasoned and amateur walkers, families, as well as children. You can choose the distance you want to challenge yourself to, including the Full Marathon (42 km), Half Marathon (21 km), 10 km and the Sunday Family Fun 5K options.
The event will take place on Saturday, 24 and Sunday, 25 January 2026, starting and finishing at The Oval Cricket Ground. With the beautiful Thames, its historic bridges and some of the capital’s key landmarks as the backdrop, the London Winter Walk is sure to be exciting. Along the route, you will find plenty of rest stops with snacks, a special medal and hot food at the finish!
Why walk for PSPA
One of the great benefits of walking for a charity like PSPA is the impact you can have on those living with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Corticobasal Degeneration, two rare neurodegenerative diseases that currently have no cure. Taking on the London Winter Walk challenge for PSPA will not only be physically rewarding, but also vital for raising awareness and funds for PSP & CBD research and better care for people affected by these conditions.
Mary Ann’s walk in memory of her Aunt Su
In January 2025, Mary Ann Pashigian completed the London Winter Walk with 5 of her family members in support of PSPA and in memory of her beloved Aunt Su.
“Doing the Winter Walk for PSPA was the perfect way to honour my aunt Su. She faced PSP with great determination and remained in control until her final days. We knew we wanted to do something meaningful in her memory. When I saw the London Winter Walk listed on PSPA’s website, I knew this was something the whole family could do.” – Mary Ann Pashigian
Their six-strong team of ‘Su’s Supporters’ raised over £900.
Malcolm and Ann’s walk to support PSPA
Last year also saw Malcolm and his wife, Ann, who has PSP, participate in the London Winter Walk to support PSPA with their two daughters and a granddaughter. The walk, which followed a route from the Oval Cricket Ground along London’s South Bank and back, turned into a memorable family weekend.
“When Ann was diagnosed with PSP, I contacted PSPA straightaway. For the past three years, we’ve attended the Kenilworth and Rugby Support Groups. It’s been so helpful to speak to others and share experiences. We wanted to do something to support the charity. It was nice to connect with relatives and do something together to raise money for PSPA.” – Malcolm Doughty
Malcolm and his family raised an incredible £4000 for the charity.
How to get involved
Whether you register as an individual, a group or as a family, your support is invaluable. Our flexible fundraising options mean you can choose the level of commitment that works best for you.
- Charity sponsorship – You pay a small registration fee, do lots of fundraising, and we cover the cost of your event place.
- Full marathon: Reg fee £30 / fundraising target £300.
- Shorter distances and lower fundraising targets are also available.
- Mixed Funding – You pay half of the event place cost yourself, fundraise a bit less, and we pay the balance of the event place cost.
- Full marathon: Reg fee £50 / fundraising target £150
- Shorter distances and lower fundraising targets are also available.
- Self-Fund – You pay the full cost of the event place, fundraise whatever you want, with no set target or deadline, and there’s no cost at all to the charity.
- Full marathon: £99
- Shorter distances and entry fees are also available.
No matter how you wish to fundraise, PSPA will support you every step of the way.
Ready to challenge yourself and make a difference? Visit the Ultra Challenge London Winter Walk event page to learn more and register. Put on your walking shoes, and let’s make every step (and pound) count!
