Adventure Challenges
Want to explore the world and raise money for a great cause? Then our adventure challenges are a great choice for you!
About our adventure challenges
We work with several tour operators to provide you with the most incredible trips and destinations. Challenges can be based in the UK or overseas, and come with varying levels of duration and difficulty.
From climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to cycling London to Paris - the options are endless! We have hikes, runs and cycles, so have a browse and choose your challenge!
Current challenges
Take on a different challenge
Why should I take on an adventure challenge?
But most importantly we'll provide you with a reason to keep going because you'll know that you're helping to improve the lives of people living with cancer.
Donations make up 98% of our annual income so we simply couldn't do what we do without you.
FAQs
General questions
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What is an adventure (open) challenge?
An adventure challenge or open challenge is a UK or overseas challenge where you can fundraise for a charity of your choice. Macmillan works with multiple tour providers to offer you a wide range of destinations, difficulty levels, and activities. Explore our selection of hikes, runs, and cycling adventures or visit any of our partnered tour providers websites to find the challenge that suits you best!
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What is the registration fee?
The registration fee for each adventure challenge differs by the challenge type, tour provider, and payment option.
Usually, as adventure challenge has 3 main payment options:
- Fundraising - pay the registration fee and pledge to raise a set amount
- Part payment - pay the registration fee and an additional contribution towards the trip cost but commit to a smaller fundraising pledge
- Full payment - pay for both the registration fee and the full cost of the trip but there is no minimum fundraising pledge.
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Which tour operators do you recommend doing an adventure challenge for charity with?
We collaborate with several different tour providers for adventure challenges and would recommend choosing one of our partnered providers to ensure you have the best experience. This includes:
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What adventure challenges can I do?
You can select any adventure challenge you are confident in taking on – make sure to select Macmillan Cancer Support as your chosen charity upon sign up.
When selecting a challenge, please consider the fundraising and training requirements and only select a challenge you are confident you can commit to.
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Are accommodation, food and travel included in my challenge costs?
Accommodation, food, and travel may be included in your tour costs dependent on your challenge. Please reference the relevant tour provider’s website for full details.
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How will Macmillan support me?
Macmillan is here to support you every step of the way. From the moment you sign up until after you’ve completed your challenge, we’ll be on hand with tailored advice and support to help you make the most of your experience. You’ll also receive a free Macmillan t-shirt, vest, or cycling jersey, a digital fundraising pack, training tips, and regular Macmillan E-newsletters to motivate you along the way.
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How do I order Macmillan kit like t-shirts, running top or cycling vest for my challenge?
When you sign up to your challenge, you’ll receive a link to order your kit in the lead up to your trip. If you are already signed up to an adventure challenge and would like to enquire about ordering your kit, please contact the team at openchallenge@macmillan.org.uk.
Fundraising questions
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What is my fundraising pledge?
Your fundraising target will vary depending on the challenge and payment option you select. Usually, your pledge will be visible on your chosen tour provider's website but if you are unsure of what your target is, please contact either the adventure challenge team at openchallenge@macmillan.org.uk or your chosen tour provider.
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When do I need to fundraise by?
You will need to have fundraised most of your total before you embark on your challenge. Exact dates will depend on your challenge and tour provider, but you will usually be required to reach 80% of your fundraising total 8-12 weeks before your challenge start date.
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How can I set up my fundraising page?
Visit JustGiving to set up your fundraising page for 2025 challenges.
If you have already set up a fundraising page on a different platform, please email us at openchallenge@macmillan.org.uk with a link to your page.
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What happens if I don't hit my fundraising pledge?
We are here to support you with your fundraising throughout. If you are worried about hitting your fundraising goal, please contact us at openchallenge@macmillan.org.uk and we can offer your personalised advice and guidance.
Please note, if you do not reach your 80% total in the given timeframe, you may not be able to participate in your challenge.
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Can I pay for the price of the tour costs myself?
Yes. You can self-fund all or part of your trip cost and this will reduce the amount you pledge to fundraise. If you'd like more information about this, please contact us at openchallenge@macmillan.org.uk.
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What is a personal fundraising agreement (PFA) and why do I need to sign one?
As you will be raising funds for Macmillan and the remaining costs of taking part in your challenge will be deducted from the funds you raise, you will be treated as ‘a professional fundraiser’ under the terms of the Charities Act 1992 and the Charitable Institutions (Fundraising) Regulations 1994. An agreement is therefore required between you and Macmillan to comply with these regulations. PFAs are intended to protect both parties by clearly outlining the given fundraising agreements.
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Can I fundraise as part of a team?
Yes, you are welcome to fundraise as a team. If fundraising as part of a team, please let us know at openchallenge@macmillan.org.uk so that we can correctly allocate your fundraising.
Please note, fundraising pledge amounts are per person.
Training
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Do I need to train for my event?
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How can I find out about accessibility for an adventure (open) challenge?
Accessibility will differ challenge by challenge. Please contact your chosen tour provider for detailed advice on accessibility.
Cancellations
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What if I become injured or need to cancel my place?
If you are injured or need to cancel your place for any reason, please contact your chosen tour provider alongside letting us know at openchallenge@macmillan.org.uk. You can view the Terms and Conditions on each tour provider’s website to check cancellation terms in advance.
If you cancel your event and would like your existing sponsorship to go towards a fundraiser for Macmillan Cancer Support in future, please contact us to let us know and we can transfer your existing fundraising to future events.
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Can I transfer to a different challenge?
Transferals are at the discretion of the tour provider and may not be possible in all cases. If you wish to transfer to another event with the same provider, please contact them to request your transfer. This usually incurs an admin fee.
As registrations are managed by each tour provider, transfers between different providers are not possible. However, you can cancel your existing event and re-register for a new event. We can transfer any existing fundraising you have onto your new event.