What MASSIVE’s 2026 participation data tells us about the rise of running, walking and outdoor events across the UK
Every year, MASSIVE surveys thousands of runners, walkers and challenge‑takers from across the UK to understand how we’re getting outside and what motivates us to move more. This year’s Mass Participation Pulse Report, based on 9,459 responses, paints a fascinating picture of an outdoors community that’s more inspired, more social and more confident than ever.
Here’s what it means for you as part of the OS Maps community and where you can explore related advice, routes and inspiration on our site.
People Are More Motivated Than Ever to Get Outside
A huge 89% of people plan to take part in the same number or more events in 2026, the highest level of enthusiasm in four years. The effect this should have on events across the UK is huge, making 2026 the year to try something new.
- More challenge events appearing nationwide
- Bigger, buzzier atmospheres
- A perfect year to set a personal goal, whether that’s your first 5K or a long-distance trail
If you want to get started with trail running and find your first 5k, or push yourself to complete an Ultra this year, read through our beginner’s guides.
A Big Moment for Women: Female Participation Is Surging
One of the most exciting shifts in this year’s report is the continued rise of women taking part in mass outdoor challenges.
- 59% of new participants (people starting events in the last 2 years) are women
- Within new participants younger age groups are now female‑majority which shows events are doing a great job of being more inclusive and marketing to young women.
- 57% of women say they are part of running clubs or groups, showing community matters
Women are driving much of the growth in outdoor participation, shaping events, joining communities and inspiring others. This aligns directly with what our Women’s Hub stands for: empowerment, accessibility and confidence outdoors.
Events Are Becoming More Social, Especially for Younger People
If you love the idea of training with others, you’re not alone. The report shows:
- 80% of 18–24‑year‑olds sign up for events with friends or family
- Even among 45–54s, nearly half still sign up as a group
- Make 2026 the year you plan a big group challenge with your friends, you’ve got loads of time to train if you plan it in for summer.
Mass participation events don’t have to be solo pursuits, they’re shared experiences. Signing up together makes the challenge feel less intimidating, builds excitement during training, and boosts motivation on event day. If you don’t have friends that are keen to take part, try joining a group and finding some kindred spirits to help grow your skills, motivation to train and your passion for taking on challenges this year.
Longer Challenges Are Growing in Popularity
The report shows a noticeable rise in people signing up for marathons, ultras and multi‑day endurance events, with hikers/runners gradually building towards longer distances over several years. But beyond the statistics, there’s a powerful personal benefit here because training for a long‑distance challenge is one of the best ways to set a meaningful goal and stay motivated throughout the year.
Training for a long‑distance challenge gives you a powerful sense of focus, because having a big, time‑bound goal instantly shifts your mindset and builds confidence from day one. As you follow a structured training journey, you naturally get outside more often, making each session part of a steady routine. And along the way, you see visible progress. Every longer route completed, every mile added, every stronger hike or run, reinforces your motivation and shows just how far you’ve come.
This trend fits perfectly with the OS Get Outside ethos, encouraging people to stretch their comfort zone and explore the UK’s amazing long distance routes as well as creating their own in OS Maps.
Try these OS resources if you’re looking to take on a long distance challenge this year
Your Year to Get Outside
2026 is shaping up to be another brilliant year for getting outside. Whether you’re planning to:
- try your first event,
- take on a long-distance challenge,
- join an outdoor community,
- or simply walk more with friends…
…the momentum is on your side.
You’ll find everything you need across OS Maps and Get Outside to plan routes, join challenges, build confidence and stay motivated.
26 Challenges to Make You a Better Hiker
Discover how to be a better hiker in 2026 with our 26 challenges designed for hikers of all levels and ages.
UK 24 Hour Mountain Challenges – Distances & Ascents
A list of the UK’s most iconic 24hr hiking challenges – how many have you conquered?
How to Build Outdoor Confidence: A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Outside
GROW YOUR HIKING CONFIDENCE! You don’t need to grow up hiking or arrive with all the gear and knowledge – follow our expert tips
By Hilary Pullen
Meet Hilary, Editor of Get Outside – the Ordnance Survey Blog. Hilary is based in North Wales and loves hiking with her dogs in the mountains of Eryri and Bryniau Clwyd, you can find her on Instagram @nearlyuphill and read her guides to walking in North Wales on her blog. Drop her an email hilary.pullen@os.uk if you are interested in posting an article on Get Outside.
