Welcome to the 2025 496 Challenge. Please read the FAQ's below and don't hesitate to email me if you have any other questions.
Now go and get some miles in the legs. Now. Go!
You'll thank me on day 22.
FAQ's
Can I split the runs. i.e. On day 20 can I do 10km in the morning and then 10km in the evening around work?
Yes you can. Most people do.
Can I do it on a treadmill?
Yes you can but I urge you to try and do this outdoors as the exploration element of it is very rewarding.
Can I walk it instead of run it?
Yes you can as long as you complete is on foot.
How do I get on the official list of finishers?
Email me and I'll add you on.
How do I prove that I have completed The 496 Challenge in order to buy a medal?
I don't check and we operate on an honestly policy. You know if you've done it correctly and can buy a medal.
Do I have to start it on the 1st of the month?
Yes. It gives structure to the challenge and allows you to run virtually alongside other people.
Are there other variations of the challenge?
Yes, there are 4 variations but the most popular is The Classic
1: The Classic
2: The Reverse (Start at 31 and run 1km less each day)
3: The Tombolla (Put 1 to 31 in a hat and draw at random)
4: The Pyramid (Run odd numbers up to 31 and then even numbers back to 2)
Can I just run 16km per day for 31 days which is 496km
This is not really in the spirit of the 496. The whole idea is that it's incremental (classic) or the uncertainty (tombola) that makes the 496 hard.
Yes you can. Most people do.
Can I do it on a treadmill?
Yes you can but I urge you to try and do this outdoors as the exploration element of it is very rewarding.
Can I walk it instead of run it?
Yes you can as long as you complete is on foot.
How do I get on the official list of finishers?
Email me and I'll add you on.
How do I prove that I have completed The 496 Challenge in order to buy a medal?
I don't check and we operate on an honestly policy. You know if you've done it correctly and can buy a medal.
Do I have to start it on the 1st of the month?
Yes. It gives structure to the challenge and allows you to run virtually alongside other people.
Are there other variations of the challenge?
Yes, there are 4 variations but the most popular is The Classic
1: The Classic
2: The Reverse (Start at 31 and run 1km less each day)
3: The Tombolla (Put 1 to 31 in a hat and draw at random)
4: The Pyramid (Run odd numbers up to 31 and then even numbers back to 2)
Can I just run 16km per day for 31 days which is 496km
This is not really in the spirit of the 496. The whole idea is that it's incremental (classic) or the uncertainty (tombola) that makes the 496 hard.
