Wings for Life and Sport In Mind have been announced as the headline charity partners for The Nation’s 5K Challenge, which is aiming to get one million people moving across the UK during 2026.
The initiative is led by endurance athlete and fitness coach Esmée Gummer. The challenge will run from June 27 to October 3, 2026, inviting participants of all abilities to complete an inclusive 5km distance through running, jogging, or walking.
Under a fundraising model powered by GoFundMe, 25% of total funds raised will be allocated to Wings for Life and 25% to Sport In Mind. The remaining 50% will be distributed to other nominated charities chosen through a public vote by challenge participants.
Esmée Gummer, who was paralysed at 18 before teaching herself to walk again, will travel to cities across the UK to host community-led events. Sign-ups are now open for the first 10 free 5km events, which begin in Scotland this summer.
Esmée Gummer said “This challenge is about people, purpose and possibility. Wings for Life and Sport In Mind represent causes that are incredibly close to my heart and I’m so proud to have them as headline partners.
“What makes this even more exciting is that the public will help decide where the remaining funds go. It’s a challenge powered by the community, for the community.”
Wings for Life is an international foundation that funds research into finding a cure for spinal cord injury. Emma Hind, Wings for Life UK CEO, said “Esmée’s story powerfully reflects why our work matters and this partnership will help fund vital research to find a cure for spinal cord injury.”
Sport In Mind is a UK-based mental health sports charity that works in partnership with the NHS to support people experiencing mental health problems through physical activity.
Samantha Rosier, Senior Fundraising Manager for Sport In Mind, said “Together, we can reach more people experiencing mental health problems and support them to improve their wellbeing through the power of movement.”
The challenge is supported by realbuzz, a provider of charity running programmes, which will manage registrations and charity partnerships.
The first 10 free events include:
- June 27, 2026 – Inverness
- June 29, 2026 – Aberdeen
- July 1, 2026 – Dundee
- July 2, 2026 – Perth
- July 3, 2026 – Dunfermline
- July 4, 2026 – Edinburgh
- July 5, 2026 – Stirling
- July 6, 2026 – Glasgow
- July 11, 2026 – Derry
- July 14, 2026 – Bangor, NI
www.realbuzz.com/thenations5k
www.wingsforlife.com
www.sportinmind.org
