Hereford/Worcs May challenge

People in Herefordshire and Worcestershire are being asked to log as many miles as they can in a two-week walking challenge that starts on May 1. (herefordshire.gov.uk) The 2026 “Walk This May Challenge” runs from May 1 to May 14 and is being led by Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire with Herefordshire Council and Worcestershire County Council. Organizers say the event is open to “all ages and abilities.” (worcestershire.gov.uk) The target is collective: walkers are trying to cover the 53-mile border between the two counties as many times as possible over 14 days. Last year’s total was 4,723.18 miles, or about 89 laps of that border. (herefordshire.gov.uk) This year’s version is shorter than the 2025 event, which ran from May 12 to May 25. The format is otherwise familiar: free group walks, mileage counting across both counties, and a public push during National Walking Month. (herefordshire.gov.uk) The walks are being pitched as a low-barrier activity rather than a race, with local authorities emphasizing outdoors time, social contact and regular movement. Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire says the challenge is meant to help residents “get active, enjoy the outdoors and spark new connections.” (activehw.co.uk) The campaign also builds on existing local walking schemes. In 2025, Herefordshire’s Wellbeing Walks groups and Worcestershire Health Walks organized the challenge with routes designed to be inclusive and reachable on foot or by public transport. (herefordshire.gov.uk) Herefordshire Council has tied the challenge directly to National Walking Month, its annual May campaign promoting walking and wheeling for health and wellbeing. The council says hundreds of people took part in 2025. (herefordshire.gov.uk) The next test is simple: whether the two counties can beat 4,723.18 miles between May 1 and May 14. Organizers are urging residents to lace up, join a walk and add their miles to the total. (worcestershire.gov.uk)