This year, Endure24 is on a mission to inspire the next generation to embrace trail running and experience the benefits of time spent outdoors in nature.
For that reason, we recently commissioned a survey of over 1,000 active young people in the UK, to better understand the habits, motivations, and barriers they experience when it comes to taking part in physical activity. And we think the results may surprise you.
73% of the 16-25-year-olds we surveyed told us they prefer exercising outdoors in nature over working out in a gym, and a colossal 81% are interested in taking part in a trail running event.
These findings highlight the significance of our partnership with TrailFam, a charity dedicated to improving young people’s lives through trail running. Through this partnership, we hope to inspire more young people to experience the joy that comes from trail running.
As the UK’s favourite 24-hour trail race, Endure24 is uniquely able to provide a a safe space for younger people to take part in a long-distance trail running event. Open to runners aged 16 and over competing in teams of up to 12, our two June events – one in Reading, one in Leeds – provide a safe, inclusive, and fun environment for young people to challenge themselves and discover all that trail running has to offer.
The Team option is central to our mission of making trail running accessible to younger participants, by fostering teamwork, communication, and mutual support as they tackle the challenge to complete as many laps as they can over the 24 hours, running relay-style throughout the night.
The collaboration will also see the Trailfam community leading a ‘shake-out’ for all participants to get involved with before the Leeds event begins.
Other key findings from the survey include:
- Almost half (47%) of 16-25-year-olds feel calmer after exercising outdoors in nature, but just shy of a quarter (23%) of young people from ethnically diverse communities say they don’t have easy access to places to exercise outdoors.
- Over a third (34%) lack the confidence to take part in a sporting event or a youth sports training group.
- Half of the young people we surveyed say exercising with friends or family helps them feel more motivated to exercise regularly, and 64% exercise with their parents or carers.
- Over a third (35%) of young women feel safer exercising with others and 35% say the chance to meet new people would inspire them to join a youth running club, showing the need for running communities where young women can feel safe and empowered.
Nick Tuppen, CEO of Threshold Sports, the team behind Endure24, said: “Our Endure24 events are designed to tap into the social side of long-distance running and the party atmosphere makes them an ideal entry point for younger people to get into trail running.
“Threshold Sports hopes to inspire the next generation of trail runners from all backgrounds so that more young people can experience the joy of running as part of a team and the incredible benefits that come from being active outdoors.”
Danny Stokes, Founder of TrailFam said: “Our mission is to connect young people with nature, community, and personal growth and Endure24’s inclusive values align perfectly with this. We aim to inspire a love for the outdoors, foster resilience, and build a sense of belonging within a supportive community.
“Partnering with Endure24 is not just about running, it’s about showing our community that they’re part of something bigger and that their voices and stories matter, both on and off the trails. The partnership offers a unique platform to empower young runners to celebrate their potential and inspire more young people to challenge themselves.”
