NHS-backed walking scheme could reward people for daily activity
The "marathon a month" scheme, developed with former Olympic medallist Sir Brendan Foster, will launch early next year.
By BBC News
A new “marathon a month” walking challenge is expected to launch in early 2027, encouraging people to build regular movement into everyday life.
A new NHS-backed walking scheme is expected to reward people for building regular activity into their daily routines.
The campaign, called Movement 26.2, is being developed to encourage people to complete the equivalent of a marathon each month through everyday walking.
The idea is to make physical activity feel more achievable by breaking it down into small daily targets rather than asking people to take on formal sport or long exercise sessions.
According to national reports, the scheme is expected to launch in early 2027 and will encourage people to walk for around 20 to 30 minutes a day.
That level of daily movement would add up to roughly 26.2 miles over a month, the same distance as a marathon.
The campaign has been developed with Sir Brendan Foster, the former Olympic medallist and founder of the Great North Run, alongside Sir Keith Mills, who is known for creating Air Miles and helping deliver the London 2012 Olympics.
Participants are expected to be able to record their activity through a digital platform or app.
Rewards could include digital badges, medals, shopping discounts and vouchers, although details of the reward system are still being developed.
Reports say discussions are taking place with retailers about a loyalty-style scheme that would encourage people to keep moving.
The aim is to use small incentives to help people build healthier habits over time.
Walking has been chosen because it is one of the most accessible forms of exercise. It does not require specialist equipment, gym membership or advanced fitness, and can be built into commutes, school runs, lunch breaks or evening routines.
The scheme comes amid concern about the health impact of sedentary lifestyles.
Physical inactivity is linked to a higher risk of conditions including heart disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity, and is estimated to cost the NHS around £1bn a year.
For many people, a daily walk can also support mental wellbeing, sleep, mobility and general fitness.
The approach reflects a wider shift towards prevention, with health leaders increasingly focused on helping people reduce long-term risks before they become more serious medical problems.
For Cheshire residents, the practical message is simple. A short regular walk around a local park, town centre, village route or neighbourhood can make a meaningful difference when repeated consistently.
The challenge may also appeal to people who do not see themselves as runners or gym users but want a realistic way to become more active.
However, the programme should not be treated as a substitute for medical care or individual advice.
People with health conditions, mobility problems or concerns about starting exercise should seek guidance from a healthcare professional before making major changes to their activity levels.
The final details of Movement 26.2 are expected to become clearer before its launch.
For now, the proposal shows how the NHS and public health partners are looking for new ways to encourage everyday activity — not by asking everyone to run a marathon, but by helping more people walk one over the course of a month.