The NHS is preparing to launch a nationwide initiative designed to encourage people to become more physically active by rewarding regular walking.
Scheduled to begin early next year, the programme will invite participants to complete a “marathon a month” by walking for approximately 30 minutes each day.
Those who consistently meet the daily target will cover about 26 miles over the course of a month—the equivalent distance of a marathon.
Participants will be able to record their progress using an online platform, smartphone apps or compatible smartwatches.
Incentives Planned for Those Who Complete the Challenge
To encourage participation, the NHS plans to offer rewards to people who successfully complete the monthly challenge.
While the full list of incentives has not yet been revealed, organisers say participants could qualify for discounts and other promotional offers.
The health service will fund the initial rollout of the programme.
Over time, however, it intends to secure additional backing from major companies and charitable partners to help expand and sustain the initiative.
Young People Welcome the Idea
Early reactions from younger people have been largely positive.
Many believe the challenge is simple enough to fit into everyday routines, particularly because walking requires no gym membership or expensive equipment.
Some also say the idea of maintaining an uninterrupted streak of daily activity is appealing, with the challenge drawing inspiration from the same habit-forming mechanics used by popular digital platforms and mobile apps.
Others admit they would happily earn rewards for walking distances they already complete each month.
Sir Brendan Foster Leads the Campaign
The project has been developed in collaboration with former Olympic medallist Sir Brendan Foster, founder of the Great North Run, after NHS England asked him to help create a campaign focused on increasing physical activity.
Although best known for his achievements in running, Foster says the objective is much simpler—encouraging more people to walk regularly.
He believes making walking part of everyday life could deliver major health improvements while helping to ease pressure on healthcare services.
Tackling Physical Inactivity Across England
The walking campaign forms part of England’s wider 10-year health strategy, which places greater emphasis on disease prevention and healthier lifestyles.
According to NHS England, physical inactivity contributes to around one in six deaths.
People who complete less than 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each week are considered physically inactive.
Recent figures from Sport England indicate that nearly one in four adults—around 12 million people—fell into that category during the year leading up to November 2025.
Digital Tracking Aims to Build Lasting Habits
Organisers hope to attract more than 100,000 participants, with daily walking data recorded digitally throughout the challenge.
If that goal is reached, Foster says the event would effectively become the largest marathon ever staged.
He believes the motivation created by maintaining a daily streak will encourage participants to stay committed over the long term.
Research also suggests the benefits could extend far beyond the challenge itself.
Foster notes that people who walk for around 30 minutes on at least five days each week could gain as many as four additional years of healthy life.
Experts Say Walking Alone Is Not Enough
Health experts have welcomed the initiative while stressing that broader action remains essential.
Sonia Pombo, head of research and impact at Action on Salt & Sugar, says making exercise simple, accessible and rewarding could encourage more people to become active.
However, she argues that lasting improvements in public health will also require stronger government policies focused on prevention, particularly measures aimed at improving children’s health.
More Details to Be Announced
The NHS is expected to release further information about the programme in the coming months, including how people can register and exactly what rewards will be available for completing the monthly walking challenge.
The initiative is expected to begin early next year as part of the health service’s wider effort to encourage healthier lifestyles across England.
