NHS-backed challenge could reward people for walking 26 miles a month

People in England could earn rewards for walking the equivalent of a marathon each month under a new NHS-backed campaign expected to launch in 2027.

Movement 26.2 will encourage participants to cover 26.2 miles over the course of a month, rather than completing the distance in a single event. Walking for around 30 minutes on five days each week should be enough for many people to reach the target, although the final participation rules have not yet been published.

Participants are expected to record their activity using a smartphone, smartwatch or online platform. Initial incentives could include digital badges and rewards for maintaining a walking streak, with medals, T-shirts, retailer discounts and shopping vouchers being considered as the scheme develops. The precise rewards, participating retailers and redemption arrangements remain unconfirmed.

Former Olympic athlete and Great North Run founder Sir Brendan Foster has helped develop the campaign, which is intended to make regular exercise feel more achievable. Organisers reportedly hope to attract at least 100,000 participants during its first year.

The initiative forms part of a wider effort to prevent avoidable illness by helping people become more active. Walking can support cardiovascular health, fitness and mental wellbeing, but anyone with a medical condition or concerns about exercising should seek professional advice and build up their activity gradually.

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