The big 10x10km Challenge events released

A challenge that has literally grown with each year is challenging our readers to take part in 10x10km events over a two-week period next March in a bid to get us all on the move and to raise money for Parkinson’s UK Cymru.

The 10x10km challenge was created by former headteacher, Philip Jones, two years ago as seven events but grew to eight challenges last year. It is set to sign off with a testing 10 events in March 2026, culminating as the headline charity for the Welshpool 10k run on March 22.

It has succeeded in raising over £30,000, and engaging with hundreds of people from school children to those who are living with Parkinson’s taking part.

And this year’s Challenge is reaching out wider into the community with a range of fundraising events building up to the start of the 10x10k itself on March 8.

There will then be 15 opportunities over the 15 days to complete any one of the 10k challenges, with schools, clubs and organisations joining in the fun.

“Over the past two years we have helped raise awareness of the charity as well as encouraging people to exercise which is proven to delay the onset of the illness,” said Philip (right).

Businesses are also encouraged to get involved, with a number of sponsorship packages available and all money going towards the Challenge.

Prior to the run, there will be bucket collections at the Welshpool v Cobra rugby match on Saturday, December 20, and at the local football derby between Waterloo Rovers and Welshpool Town on Saturday, December 27.

On January 7, there will be a 10k Spinning Bike Ride at Welshpool Morrisons, and a Gala Dinner on Friday, February 27, at The Royal Oak, with tickets priced at £50.

The full March 2026 Challenge event list

Sunday, March 8: Challenge launch 3pm. Morrisons Car Park/Montgomeryshire Canal

Monday, March 9: Maldwyn Harriers 6pm. Come along and join the local running group

Tuesday, March 10: Join members of Welshpool RFC as they take the 10K Challenge as part of their training (clubhouse 6.30pm)

Wednesday, March 11: TBC

Thursday, March 12: Hosted by Great Fitness Gym. Come along, donate, complete a 10k on any equipment and post on your social media account.

Friday, March 13: Visibility Run around Welshpool Town Hall starting at Coco 4pm, 5pm and 6pm. Join the one that suits your schedule

Saturday, March 14: Newtown Park Run (x2)

Sunday, March 15: Trail run around Gregynog Hall and estate.

Monday, March 16: Visibility run around Welshpool Town starting from Coco 4pm, 5pm and 6pm - join the one that suits your schedule

Tuesday, March 17: Newtown College 9.15am. Join the staff and students for a flat, fast, traffic free course

Wednesday, March 18: Ysgol Rhiwbechan and Churchstoke Primary School 9.30am: A 10k run around the hall

Thursday, March 19: Hosted by Great Fitness Gym. Come along, donate, complete a 10k on any equipment and post on your social media account

Friday, March 20: Headtorch run from The Grapes 6.30pm with a route around Welshpool.

Saturday, March 21: Newtown Park Run (x2)

Sunday, March 22: Welshpool 10k Join us and run for the headline charity Parkinson’s UK Cymru around the iconic course.

For more information, contact Philip on 07807192303 or P_Jones21@sky.com.

You can donate to the challenge here.