This summer, imagine yourself walking through the picturesque Cotswold hills, feeling the wind in your hair and sun on your face, all the while knowing that every step you take is helping those impacted by dementia.
If this is your first time considering on of our brilliant Lifeline challenges, we get that you will have questions.
That’s why we’ve put together everything you’ll need to know so you feel confident, prepared, and supported from the moment you sign up to our epic fundraising event for Alzheimer’s Society.
The very basics – when and where
Our challenge will take place on June 13 2026, starting at the Royal Agricultural University in Circencester.
Who will I be doing the challenge with?
In short, Team Lifeline is a varied, brilliant bunch. Some of us will be staff from Metro and Alzheimer’s Society, while others will be readers like you, as well as people who will have heard about the challenge through the charity. Our ages and ability also vary – and it’s totally up to you if you want to come along alone or do it with friends, whatever works for you.
As the event is open to the public our team will be hiking alongside around 2000 other like-minded walkers, so even if you sign up solo, there will always be someone around to chat to and keep you motivated.
Choose a distance that works for you
Before you sign up you need to decide how far you want to walk. This year our trekkers can take on 25km, 50km and 100km (this last one is either continuous or over two days).
Usually we have people doing each distance, so you definitely won’t be alone whatever you choose.
Bear in mind your fitness levels and how much time you can spend training. There’s no doubt that on the day you will be able to dig deep and give it your all – we’ve seen it happen! – but you also want to make sure you’re confident you can complete it.
How much does it cost?
This all comes down to the distance you choose and how much you’re confident fundraising. For example, if you fancy doing the 25km walk, you can choose between fundraising £275 or £150. If you opt for the higher amount registration starts at £15, whereas if it’s the latter it’s £46.
Talking about fundraising…
As mentioned, with each distance there’s a set minimum amount to raise. Alzheimer’s Society has great fundraising advice and inspiration here. (At Metro we’re a big fan of bake sales and pub quizzes!)
At least 50% of your sponsorship target needs to be raised three weeks prior to the challenge, while the remainder – and any extra – should be donated within four weeks of you crossing the finish line.
How to sign up to our 2026 Metro Lifeline challenge
This year Metro.co.uk is proudly supporting Alzheimer's Society for our 2026 Lifeline campaign.
On Saturday 13 June 2026, we’re inviting our readers to take on an unforgettable challenge: an epic hike through the stunning Cotswolds countryside — all to help support people living with dementia.
Choose your distance: 25km, 50km or 100km.
With registration starting at just £15, and fundraising targets of £150 (25km), £225 (50km) or £330 (100km), you can push yourself as far as you want — while helping fund vital support and research.
Whether you sign up solo or take on the challenge with friends, you’ll be part of Team Lifeline, with plenty of guidance, encouragement and support along the way. Every mile you walk and every pound you raise will help make a real difference for people facing the daily realities of dementia.
For our 'everything you need to know' guide, click here - or if you're already raring to sign up, click here.
Metro Lifeline has it’s own JustGiving page to join to help keep donations in one place, and as soon as you sign up you’ll be sent the link.
Of course, the sooner you start fundraising the more time you have to get those donations rolling in and hitting your target.
Join the Lifeline community
Once you’ve signed up, that’s when you’ll truly become part of Team Lifeline.
Not only will we be with you every step of the way with regular check ins, but you can also join our dedicated Facebook group where Lifeliners swap tips, training plans and share their photos of practice walks. It’s a great place to help keep you on track and stay motivated.
Getting ready
As the big day approaches, you’ll receive an invite to join our Lifeline WhatsApp group, so we can make sure everyone arrives safely and knows the plans for the next day.
You’ll also receive regular email updates from the charity and event organisers Action Challenge about start times, route information and bib numbers. You should receive your start-time email four weeks before the challenge takes place and your e-ticket email 10-14 days prior.
Action challenge also a great source of information if you have questions about the event and have a FAQ section on the sign up page.
The main event
On the day we will have a special area for Lifeliners to meet, take photos and make sure everyone is ready and raring for our epic adventure as we get ready to cross the start line together.
Of course, as everyone goes at their own pace, there’s no obligation to stick together.
Every 10-15km along the route you’ll be greeted by the welcoming sight of an Ultra Challenge marquee, where you’ll find toilets, massage, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water and snacks (including lunch at 24km and a hot meal at 50km).
As you cross the finish line of your designated distance, you’ll be awarded a well-deserved glass of fizz, medal and t-shirt – as well as a round of applause from us.
Ready to join us?
As part of Team Lifeline we want everyone to have the most enjoyable day as possible. We’re not expecting anyone to be the fastest or the fittest — we just want everyone to take it one step at a time, knowing that what we’re doing really will change lives.
So, if you’re feeling ready to join us on an epic adventure, click here to sign up.
Helpful advice from previous Team Lifeline trekkers
We spoke to some of our previous trekkers to find out what top tips they would give to anyone thinking of taking it on:
Train on hills, not just city streets… different beast
Get a bladder for your water if possible, rather than a bottle – much easier to carry
Don’t forget sunscreen
Bring a powerbank to charge your smartwatch midway if you’ll be tracking the distance, because it probably won’t have enough juice otherwise
Do some proper long walks in your boots beforehand or you may regret it
Get some cheap walking poles just in case, even if you think you won’t need them
Take fresh, spare hiking socks – a sock change halfway can really invigorate sore, tired feet and help protect from blisters
Identify any blister hotspots in practice walks and put your blister plasters on beforehand, not once they start to hurt
Take a waterproof rucksack cover and wrap plasters, spare socks and spare clothes in waterproof bags inside your rucksack. While we always hope the weather will be glorious, If it rains and everything gets wet, it becomes useless.
