The Big BaNES 100k returns

The Big BaNES 100km challenge is back! This Mental Health Awareness Week, people in and around Bath are being encouraged to get together outside and cover 100km before the end of September - making the most of the great outdoors and longer days.  

Community and connection are at the heart of this year’s challenge. It’s hoped that families, groups of friends and colleagues will come together and cheer each other on in support of two vital local youth charities - Mentoring Plus and Off the Record Bath & North East Somerset.

The challenge officially stepped out with a launch walk through Bath on 13 May, marking Mental Health Awareness Week - the first of a series of guided community walks people can join over the summer. 

The Big BaNES 100k summer challenge is an award-winning initiative between the charities and several local organisations that champion the benefits of getting active outside and exploring new places - including The Bath 5k Map, Walk Bath and Bathscape.

Created to be a flexible challenge everyone can enjoy, challengers can cover the distance individually or as part of a team, at their own pace and in their own way over the summer months.

There is no minimum fundraising target and every penny raised helps provide vital support to young people in the community who are facing tough challenges.

Annie Legge, founder of community initiative The Bath 5k Map, explains: “We would love more people to take the chance to walk and talk, explore new places and connect with friends, family or colleagues this summer. Getting outside among nature is so beneficial to our health and wellbeing. There will be plenty of support from local walking groups, community events and guided walks that you can join to help you find your feet!”

The challenge runs until the end of September, so there is plenty of time to clock up the miles. You can take on several longer walks or break down the distance - it’s about 5km (3 miles) a week. If you like to cycle, scoot or swim, you can mix and match activities to reach 100km. 

Ruth Keily, chief executive of Mentoring Plus, said: “It’s been great to see more people of all ages get involved in the Big BaNES 100k each year. We’ll be cheering this year’s challengers on every step of the way! Every pound raised, through sponsorship or donations, protects lifeline programmes and helps children and young people facing tough challenges feel safe, heard, and hopeful for their future.”

James Brown, development manager at Off the Record Bath & North East Somerset, adds: “Feeling connected and part of a community is enormously important for our mental health and can be grounding in turbulent times. This challenge creates an opportunity for people to be part of a positive local movement that champions wellbeing, while raising awareness and funds for much-needed counselling, listening support and advocacy for young people in and around Bath.”

This year, organisers are encouraging more local businesses and teams of colleagues to get involved in the Big BaNES 100k challenge, making the most of sunny lunch breaks and lighter evenings. Colleagues can work together to clock up 100km as a team and support local charities. 

You can find out more and sign up to take part in the Big BaNES 100k challenge at bath100kmchallenge.org 

Follow @Bath5kMap and @walkingsolvesbath on Instagram for walking ideas and inspiration over the summer and make sure to share your progress using #BigBaNES100k