Race the Sun
bike, hike and paddle from dawn to dusk
Our triathlon-style Race the Sun series pits teams against each other in a race against the setting sun, competing to bike, hike and paddle around some of the UK's most beautiful locations.
The series is perfect for work colleagues and groups of family or friends, who want an exhilarating day whilst also raising money to help sick and vulnerable babies and children. To get started, simply choose the Race the Sun you want to take on!
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Choose your Race
With six events spread out across the year, and the country, there’s a race to suit your team
Register your team
Round up partners, family, friends and colleagues and choose to race as a team of two, or four
Join the fight
Reach your fundraising target to fund groundbreaking medical research to save and change children’s lives
Choose your Race the Sun
With challenges taking place across the country from the Lake District, to Somerset and the South Coast, there is something for everyone!
Race The Sun Lake District Off-Road
2026 date TBC
The village of Coniston, at the foot of one of Cumbria’s most popular and stunning fells, offers a truly striking setting for your route that includes an off-road bike section that explores the area's diverse terrain.
Race The Sun Jurassic Coast Off-Road
27 June 2026
The dramatic cliffs and beautiful scenery along the renowned Jurassic Coast in Dorset offer a truly unique setting for this challenge that includes an off-road bike section that packs a punch with some thrilling descents!
Race The Sun Cheddar Gorge
11 July 2026
The dramatic cliffs and beautiful scenery along the length of the renowned Cheddar Gorge in Somerset offer a truly unique setting for this challenge that features cycling up the gorge, a bucket-list UK ride.
Race The Sun Lake District
5 September 2026
On this route, you will discover the breathtaking landscape of the Lake District with Skiddaw, one of the Lake District's most iconic mountains, providing a stunning backdrop to the beginning and end of your challenge.
Can't wait for next year?
We have limited availability on the following events taking place this year.
Race the Sun Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)
13 September 2025
This exciting route showcases the stunning natural beauty of the Welsh countryside, including the jagged peaks of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the highest mountain in Wales.
Race the Sun Jurassic Coast
27 September 2025
The dramatic cliffs and beautiful scenery along the renowned Jurassic Coast in Dorset offer a truly unique setting for this challenge that includes a road bike section that packs a punch with some thrilling descents!
Loved the variety in the challenge, the people we met and Brecon Beacons. All for a wonderful cause to help children. Definitely will be returning next year and encourage all to give it a go - you won’t be disappointed!
What's included?
Aid stations
Awards & medals
Kayak equipment
Medics
Marshals
Route signage
Timing tracker
Food & drink
Meet the Racers
Whittington Skiddaw Challenge
Hatherley Harrier's Challenge
Maria & Jenny
Race for a reason
Race for children like Jack
Jack was born extremely prematurely at 25 weeks, weighing just 1lb 15oz. He needed oxygen, help with his breathing and feeding tubes to survive. He suffered a collapsed lung and brain bleeds and contracted the potentially deadly bowel infection necrotising enterocolitis. Jack went on to endure many more serious health problems and spent four and a half months in hospital fighting to survive before he was finally allowed home. Jack's mum is so grateful for the work that Action does:
"It is so important that studies like those funded by Action Medical Research are done. Without research, we wouldn’t have medical advances, and Jack probably wouldn’t be here."
Gallery
endorsed by sheraces
Our Race the Sun series has been officially endorsed by SheRACES, a Community Interest Company which exists to level the start line and enable more women to take part races and events, and have a good experience when they do. You can read more about the SheRACES guidelines that we’ve committed to below.
Challenge yourself, respect the planet
Action Medical Research along with our event delivery partner, The Adventure Element, are committed to ensuring that Race the Sun is rewarding for participants as well as the community local to each event by promoting sustainable practices such as car sharing, reducing travel mileage by sourcing items locally, supporting local communities by using local suppliers, and encouraging all teams to hang on to all rubbish until it can be disposed of or recycled accordingly. You can find out more about The Adventure Element’s environmental and community policy below.
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frequently asked questions
What is Race the Sun?
Race the Sun is a team challenge fundraising event for teams of two or four people, with the aim of completing three disciplines (cycling, hiking, and canoeing/kayaking) in as fast a time as possible!
Where is Race the Sun?
There are six events in the series held in stunning locations around the UK; in Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons, on the Jurassic Coast (Dorset), Coniston in the Lake District and two events in Keswick, Lake District.
How fit do I have to be?
Race the Sun is achievable by people with a reasonable fitness level who are prepared to put in some training beforehand. The more you train, the more you’ll enjoy the challenge. It’s a great incentive to get fit and work a load of different muscles, whilst knowing you’re raising funds for an excellent cause at the same time.
What is the minimum age for taking part?
Participants must be at least 18 years old, and be in suitable physical condition to undertake the challenge as set out in the itinerary. 16-17-year-olds may also participate in challenges if accompanied on the challenge by their parent or guardian.
Can I take part on my own?
No. Taking part as a team is what makes Race the Sun so special, and what sets it apart from other events. If you’re unable to make up a team then please contact us, and we may be able to match you with teams looking for members.
What if I don't have a team yet?
Don’t worry if you haven’t confirmed your whole team yet; you can register now to ensure that you don’t miss out, and then add teammates later via the online booking platform.
Is there a registration entry fee?
Yes, it’s £99 for teams of two, and £198 for teams of four (plus minimum fundraising target). That’s less than £50 per person for an amazing day that you won’t forget in a hurry!!
Is there a team fundraising target?
Yes. Race the Sun is a team fundraising event for children’s charity, Action Medical Research. Money raised will help fund groundbreaking medical research to save and change the lives of babies and children. Learn more about Action’s here.
The team fundraising target is £950 per team of two, and £1,900 per team of four. Teams need to raise 50% of the fundraising target two months before the event date to secure their place on the event. We ask teams to do this to ensure that the charity will not be out of pocket. The remaining fundraising needs to be with the charity 6 weeks after the event.
Can we self-fund the challenge?
Yes, if you’d prefer to cover the cost of the challenge yourself, please get in touch with the team for more information.
- Team of 4 – upfront payment of £1,600 (team registration fee of £198 is included in this amount)
- Team of 2 – upfront payment of £800 (team registration fee of £99 is included in this amount)
While there would be no fundraising target, we’d still encourage you to raise as much as you can to help and save little lives.
Can I take part on an e-bike?
Yes, but please note in the interests of fairness that by using an e-bike the entire team will not be eligible for any of the ‘fastest team’ award categories.
Please also ensure to carry spare batteries, or other spares specific to e-bikes, as these may not be available from the bike mechanics.
Are canoes/kayaks provided?
Yes. We provide the canoe, or kayak, paddles, and buoyancy aids, you’ll just need to wear suitable clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting wet. Just in case!!
No previous experience is necessary, and fully qualified instructors will be on hand to help and keep everyone safe.
What is included in the event?
- Online safety briefing before the event
- Breakfast, packed lunch, drinks and snacks available at Transition Stations/ Event Hub
- Fully supported route with marshals and signage
- Bike mechanics and first-aiders
- Timing tracker & GPX route files
- Kayak/canoe equipment
- Team awards & finishers medal
- BBQ and celebratory drink at the finish line
Do I have to carry all my stuff?
In short, no. There will be transition points where you can leave your stuff for the next discipline, but finer details about what to pack will be communicated with teams closer to the event.
Can I take part in fancy dress?
Yes, absolutely! We have an award especially for teams who go the extra mile… the Best Dressed Team Award. Race the Sun is all about having fun and raising money for charity! All we ask is that costumes should not pose a danger or be perceived to be found offensive to other participants or spectators. Action Medical Research reserve the right to remove any participants who are deemed to be dressed indecently or offensively, or wearing costumes which pose a danger to others.