Challenge Events in Support of Encephalitis International
We are extremely grateful for the hundreds of fundraisers who take part in challenge events across the globe each year, to support the work of Encephalitis International.
Our mission is rebuilding futures around the world by saving lives, accelerating awareness and driving research. We can only succeed with your help!
Already booked a challenge event? Tell the Fundraising Team here!
Want to organise your own fundraiser? Click here!
Choose Your Challenge...
Below you'll see a variety of worldwide physical challenge events you can enter to raise awareness and funds for Encephalitis International:
• RUN - whether you want to take on a 5k, marathon, 100k ultra, or anything in between!
• WALK - various distances and locations to choose from, with lots of scenic options!
• SWIM - take to the water for your next fundraising challenge!
• CYCLE - whether you fancy trying a triathlon or a 4-day bike across Europe!
• BUNGEE JUMP - for those in need of an adrenaline fix!
• INFLATABLE RUN - get ready to run, jump, bounce, slide and swing!
• TOUGH MUDDER - designed to test your physical strength and mental grit, with lashings of mud!
You can filter by Distance (where relevant), Event Type and Location, or feel free to browse for inspiration!
Paris Marathon
The Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris offers a unique opportunity to traverse this iconic French city and experience landmark sights like the Champs Elysées, the Bois de Vincennes, Notre Dame and the Arc de Triomphe.
Big Sur International Marathon
Big Sur International Marathon is a point-to-point course run on scenic CA Highway 1 from Big Sur to Carmel in California. Towering redwoods, crashing waves, coastal mountains and verdant pastures are featured on this bucket list course.
Edinburgh Marathon Festival
The Edinburgh Marathon Festival offers a varied programme of events - 5km, 10km, half marathon and full marathon, including the Hairy Haggis Team Relay option for 4 runners.
Great North Run
The AJ Bell Great North Run is the world’s biggest half marathon, with 60,000 runners taking on the 13.1 mile route from Newcastle to South Shields. 2025 places SOLD OUT - register your interest for 2026.
Thames Path Ultra Challenge
Whether you choose to walk, jog or run - England’s most famous river provides a fantastic backdrop for an unforgettable Thames Path Ultra Challenge. Distance options include 100km, 75km, 50km, 25km and 10km.
Copenhagen Half Marathon (Superhalfs)
Sight-seeing and running combine - you’ll cross all of Copenhagen’s charming, hip and colourful bridge districts and pass through the historic inner city. A half marathon route with plenty of atmosphere and entertainment!
Great Scottish Run
The Great Scottish Run offers a half marathon and 10km option in the vibrant and friendly city of Glasgow. Urban architecture combines with green spaces and riverside views - a great way to explore this part of Scotland.
Cardiff Half Marathon (Superhalfs)
Cheering crowds, entertainment and a scenic road route are on offer at the Cardiff Half Marathon. What a fun and memorable way to challenge yourself and support Encephalitis International!
Chicago Marathon
An ever popular option, the Chicago Marathon attracts 40,000 runners each year. A flat road course explores the city - a great way to combine an epic challenge with some sight-seeing!
Great South Run
The AJ Bell Great South Run is probably the world’s favourite 10 mile running event, with inspiring history, salty seaside air and glorious views across to the Isle of Wight, as you weave your way around Portsmouth and Southsea.
Dublin Marathon
The Irish Life Dublin Marathon offers an unmissable opportunity to run through iconic landmarks like Phoenix Park, along the River Liffey, and past historic Georgian streets. With a relatively flat course and enthusiastic local support, it's a popular event with 22,000 runners.
Valencia Half Marathon (Superhalfs)
Part of the popular SuperHalfs Series, Valencia Half Marathon offers fabulous city scenery and a flat, fast course. A great option for a 13.1 mile challenge in support of Encephalitis International.
Valencia Marathon
A beautifully scenic city route awaits for the Valencia Marathon in Spain. An incredibly popular flat road course offers an opportunity for personal bests or an ideal option for first-time marathon runners.
Lisbon Half Marathon (Superhalfs)
The EDP Lisbon Half Marathon forms part of Portugal’s biggest running event and is one of the races in the popular SuperHalfs Series. The route follows the shores of the River Tagus and crosses the iconic bridge, Ponte 25 de Abril, giving you unbeatable views of Lisbon.
Run Rome The Marathon (inc. Relay)
Run Rome The Marathon offers an unmatched route through history, culminating at Italy's world-famous Colosseum. Join 30,000 runners to take in the sights of Rome in the most spectacular fashion, with ambient temperatures and breath-taking views.
Berlin Half Marathon (Superhalfs)
Explore the sights and avenues of Berlin with 35,000 other participants in this half marathon - part of the Superhalfs series. Runners, wheelchair users, inline skaters and hand cyclists are all welcome.
Tough Mudder
Tough Mudder creates hardcore obstacle courses designed to test your all around strength, stamina, and mental grit. Innovative courses combine running and a number of obstacles - featuring mud (lots of mud!), ice and 10,000 volts of electricity!
Ultra Challenge - Walk, Jog, or Run
Whether along stunning coastlines, or trails through wonderful countryside, your Ultra Challenge® will be unforgettable. Walk, jog or run - take on a 10km, 25km, 50km 75km or even a 100km Ultra Challenge.
Inflatable 5k - 2.5km, 5km, 10km, or 15km
A unique inflatable obstacle course you'll need to run, bounce, swing and slide along! Take part on your own or as part of a group with your family (suitable for kids 5 years and over!), friends or colleagues.
Bungee Jump
Are you brave enough?! Experience the thrill of a lifetime with an exhilarating bungee jump. Perfect for thrill seekers or those in search of an adrenaline challenge!
Cycling Challenges
From 25km cycles to epic multi-day international rides, we have a range of cycling challenges to choose from. Get on your bike and support Encephalitis International!
Swimming Challenges
Open water challenges - including the Great North Swim - and triathlon options to support Encephalitis International. Swim to show your support!
East of England - UK Challenges
Run, walk, or take on an obstacle course in the East of England, UK. Join our community of fundraisers and support Encephalitis International.
London - UK Challenges
Run, walk, cycle or take on a Tough Mudder - there is plenty of choice for challenge events in London to support Encephalitis International. Why not browse the options available and join our wonderful community of fundraisers?
North East England - UK Challenges
The North East offers a great range of challenges you can take on to fundraise for Encephalitis International. Will you choose running, walking or bouncing through an inflatable obstacle course to show your support?!
SuperHalfs Series
The SuperHalfs Series brings together six epic destination half marathons which runners complete to secure their SuperMedal and a place in the SuperHalfs Hall of Fame. The events take place in Berlin, Cardiff, Copenhagen, Lisbon, Prague and Valencia. What an awesome challenge to take on in support of Encephalitis International!
South East England - UK Challenges
Ultra Challenge on the Isle of Wight, Kent Downs or Chilterns? How about a half marathon or obstacle race? There are plenty of challenge options in the South East of England to support us!
South England - UK Challenges
Take the leap with a bungee jump, bounce along an obstacle course, or choose from a range of distances for challenge walks, jogs or runs. Whatever you choose to support us in the South of England, there'll be plenty of fun!
Challenge Event FAQs
The cost to enter and how to do so is explained on the webpage for each event - click the blue 'View Event' button for full details.
The majority of events have a set REGISTRATION FEE or DEPOSIT that you will need to pay to enter that event/challenge.
A DEPOSIT is refundable after the event if you meet the minimum FUNDRAISING TARGET, see more details in the next FAQ.
It depends on the event. This is explained on the webpage for each event - click the blue 'View Event' button for full details.
Some events are offered through partner event companies who ask for a DEPOSIT and set a minimum FUNDRAISING TARGET. In this case you will need to raise the FUNDRAISING TARGET in advance of the event, in order for your place to be guaranteed and for you to take part.
Some events have a REGISTRATION FEE you need to pay and they will indicate a MINIMUM SPONSORSHIP that we ask you to aim for. (Most supporters easily exceed this!)
Other events have a REGISTRATION FEE you need to pay and we ask you to fundraise as much as you can, with no minimum requirement.
Charity places in events often cost more (sometimes considerably more!) than standard entry places. This is usually because entry is in high demand, with charity places guaranteeing entry, and/or because charity places provide access to otherwise 'sold out' events.
For some events, Encephalitis International will cover all or some of the entry costs so these events are accessible to more of our supporters. We know entry costs can sometimes prevent supporters signing up to these challenges for a variety of reasons.
Other events are offered through our partner event companies, who set their own FUNDRAISING TARGETS. If our supporters enter these events we cover the entry costs
Asking our supporters to aim for MINIMUM SPONSORSHIP or event companies setting FUNDRAISING TARGETS offsets entry and administration costs. This ensures that we raise thousands of pounds each year, so our charitable work can continue.
For all events, the Fundraising Team will be available via email, telephone, or post to support you all the way!
We'll send you our Fundraising Guide - full of ideas, top tips and helpful information.
We also have lots of fundraising resources and plenty of experience to offer advice and answer your questions.