By Parkdean Resorts on 15/10/2020
Whether you’re an exercise addict or your New Year’s Resolution is to get fit and to test your limits, why not try a fitness challenge in 2021? Not only is this a great chance to get your heart racing but it’s also the perfect opportunity to explore the great outdoors at one of our parks!
We've handpicked some of the UK's top fitness challenges and arranged them into fun, hard and tough. So if you need something to aim for this New Year, want to spend more time outdoors or simply keen to push yourself to try something new, you're in the perfect place to start.
Fun Fitness Challenges
The Inflatable 5k, West Sussex
What is the Inflatable 5k?
If you find just running up and down hills all day a bit boring then why not give the Inflatable 5k a go. Perfect for friends, family and even a work day out, it’s the UK’s biggest inflatable obstacle course with 28 challenging obstacles. It’s all in the name of fun so don’t’ want to run? No problem. Don’t fancy one of the obstacles? Go round it. There are also 10k and 15k routes available too if you want even more of a challenge.
When and where is the Inflatable 5k?
The Chichester event takes place at Oaklands Park – however events take place all across the UK throughout 2021 with indoor events during the winter months. This fun-filled challenge in Chichester is on 16th May 2021.
Tough Mudder, Yorkshire
What is Tough Mudder?
The Tough Mudder events are a serious test of stamina, strength and teamwork. As the name suggests, you can expect plenty of mud - as well as challenging obstacles and even ice pools, all designed to find out whether you’re made of tough stuff! Don't worry though, we promise there's plenty of fun on offer too! It's the perfect challenge to take on with your friends and family.The Yorkshire Tough Mudder has three events:
When and where is Tough Mudder?
The 2021 Yorkshire Tough Mudder will take place on 31st July and 1st August 2021 at Broughton Hall, Skipton. However, there are other Tough Mudder events in the UK which you can find here.
Where to stay for Tough Mudder?
Taking part in Tough Mudder Yorkshire? Why not unwind afterwards with a relaxing stay at Todber Valley Holiday Park – just 17 minutes away by car.
Hard Fitness Challenges
The Great East Swim, Suffolk
What is the Great East Swim?
If you prefer being in the water, a swimming challenge could be just what you need to achieve your fitness goals and raise some money for charity. The Great East Swim is a testing, open water swim which is perfect for absolute beginners and seasoned veterans alike with several races available.
When and where is the Great East Swim?
This annual event takes place in June 2021 at Alton Water, just outside of Ipswich in Suffolk. The Great East Swim offers participants the chance to take part in a variety of swimming challenges:
Where to stay for the Great East Swim?
Looking for somewhere to stay? Weeley Bridge Holiday Park is just 16 miles away, making it the perfect place to warm up and dry off with a relaxing break following your challenge.
The Great North Run, Tyneside
What is the Great North Run?
Perhaps one of the UK’s most famous running events, the Great North Run has graced Tyneside every year since 1981 - going on to become the biggest half marathon in the world, with over a million people having crossed the finish line. With everyone from elite professional athletes to first timers in fancy dress welcome, the Great North Run offers the perfect challenge for the New Year.
When and where is the Great North Run?
The Great North Run kicks off in Newcastle City Centre and takes runners on a tour of Tyneside, ending at the beautiful South Shields coast. The 2021 Great North Run will hit the region on Sunday 12th September.
Where to stay for the Great North Run?
With over 57,000 runners taking part annually, accommodation can be few and far between. Why not relax after the run in your own home away from home at Whitley Bay Holiday Park - it's just 30 minutes away from the start line in Newcastle as well as the finish in South Shields. It can also be easily reached by public transport.
Tough Fitness Challenges
The Brooks Snowdonia Marathon, Wales
What is the Brooks Snowdonia Marathon?
If you’re looking to take your running to the next level in 2021, the Brooks Snowdonia Marathon could be the perfect race. Not your ‘ordinary’ marathon, the 26 mile route is known as one of the toughest in the UK thanks to its challenging hills and exposed trails. Challenges come with rewards though, and this marathon is no exception, wait until you see the view!
When and where is the Brooks Snowdonia Marathon held?
No prizes for guessing that the Brooks Snowdonia Marathon is held in Wales. With stunning views over the Snowdonia National Park, this is the perfect way to see Wales’ most beautiful landscapes whilst getting a sweat on. The marathon takes place on 30th October 2021, so don’t forget your raincoat!
Where to stay for the Brooks Snowdonia Marathon?
The starting point is just a 45 minute drive from Ty Mawr Holiday Park so afterwards you can enjoy a relaxing break on the beautiful Welsh coast.
The Isle of Wight Challenge, Isle of Wight
What is the Isle of Wight Challenge?
If walking is more your thing (although nobody’s stopping you from running it!) the Isle of Wight Challenge could be the perfect goal to set yourself this year. In this challenge, participants from across the UK aim to conquer the isle by attempting to walk, jog or run the entirety of the island’s 106km coastline!
This circumnavigation of the island continues through the night, with the event running non-stop for the whole weekend. While walking the full route usually takes between 20 and 33 hours, shorter challenges are available with a half and quarter island challenge running alongside the full event as well as a 2 day ‘Daylight’ option.
Whichever distance you choose, you’ll find plenty of support along the way - with rest stops providing hot meals, snacks, drinks and plenty of encouragement to keep you going.
When and where is the Isle of Wight Challenge?
Don’t forget to pack your walking boots for this event, which takes places from 1st-2nd May 2021 at various locations across the island.
Where to stay for the Isle of Wight Challenge?
Fancy taking part? Why not follow your challenge with a relaxing break at one of our holiday parks on the Isle of Wight, you’ll need a rest after hiking through the night after all!
The Fred Whitton Challenge, Lake District
What is the Fred Whitton Challenge?
Fancy the Lake District but prefer to be on two wheels? Why not join over 2500 other cyclists on the Fred Whitton Challenge. Don’t be fooled though – this charity event is not for the faint-hearted. Known as ‘The Daddy of them All’, it is thought of as the toughest one-day cycling challenge in the UK, consisting of 114 miles and 3,900m of climbing through famous routes across the Lakes with the infamous Hardknott Pass at the 99 mile mark.
When and where is the Fred Whitton Challenge?
This gruelling bike ride starts and ends in Grasmere, travelling in a large circle going west to east - check the route out here. The Fred Whitton Challenge will take place on 9th May 2021.
Where to stay for the Fred Whitton Challenge?
After all that cycling why not take a well-deserved rest at White Cross Bay Holiday Park or Limefitt Holiday Park which are both around 20 minutes’ drive from the start/finish
The Jurassic Coast Challenge, Dorset
What is the Jurassic Coast Challenge?
The Jurassic Coast Challenge is a tricky 100km walk, jog or run with a 2600m climb along the spectacular Jurassic Coast in Dorset, a World Heritage Site since 2001. Take part as an individual or as a team in this real test of fitness and enjoy an incredibly scenic route passing plenty of nature reserves as well as Durdle Door, the iconic Chesil Beach and West Bay Cliffs (the ones from TVs Broadchurch).
The main challenge is the full 100km in a day, however, there are several different options available from an overnight stop to half and quarter challenges. With rest stops roughly every 12.5km, free food & drinks supplied and even a glass of fizz at the end, the support is there every step of the way to help you complete the challenge.
When and where is the Jurassic Coast Challenge?
The full event starts in Whitecliff, Poole and finishes in Bridport with the 2 day version stopping off in Weymouth. The challenge begins on the 15th May 2021 – with it being right at the foot of the UK you’ll hopefully be needing sun cream rather than raincoats!
Where to stay for the Jurassic Coast Challenge?
If you’re brave enough to take on the 100km challenge then you’ll need somewhere to recover afterwards. Luckily, West Bay Holiday Park is only 1.7 miles away from the finish line – ideal for a relaxing holiday! If you decide to do half of the challenge, why not stay in one of our luxurious lodges at Warmwell Holiday Park- only a 20 minute drive from the midway point in Weymouth.
We’d love to hear about which fitness challenge you’re planning on taking part in in 2021. Let us know on our Facebook or Instagram page or tweet us @parkdeanresorts!