Sign-ups are now live for The Nation’s 5K, a nationwide UK series of free community 5km runs held in partnership with endurance athlete Esmée Gummer. The new series, which will see Gummer run the length of the UK in 99 days, recorded more than 1,300 registrations within the first 24 hours of launch.
Running from June 27–October 3, 2026, The Nation’s 5K series is designed as a direct community-focused alternative to established free weekly runs such as parkrun. While similar in its 5km distance and inclusive ‘come as you are’ ethos, The Nation’s 5K Challenge has a core fundraising component, with a goal of getting one million people moving while raising money for various causes.
As part of her 5,000km journey from Inverness to London, Gummer will host the free community-led events in cities across the UK. Participants are invited to join the 5km legs by running, jogging, or walking, regardless of experience level. Early data shows that the most popular sign-up locations so far include the City of London, City of Westminster, Colchester, Norwich, and St Albans.
The challenge is supported by Realbuzz, which supports charity running programmes and which is hosting event registrations and managing fundraising alongside GoFundMe.
Under the challenge’s fundraising model, 25% of funds raised will go to Wings for Life and 25% to Sport In Mind. The remaining 50% will be distributed to additional charities selected through a public participant vote held during the campaign.
Participants who register for the free 5km events will also receive a virtual goody bag and be entered into bib giveaways throughout the 99-day challenge.
Esmée Gummer, a fitness coach and Realbuzz ambassador, founded ‘The Say Yes Club’ after defying medical expectations to walk and run again following a period of paralysis at age 18. Her journey to run to every city in the UK is intended to highlight movement as a form of empowerment.
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