Major UK movement initiative to get 1 million people running in 2026
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London, UK – 8th December 2025 – realbuzz, the world’s leading provider of charity running programmes, today announces its official sponsorship of fitness coach and endurance athlete Esmée Gummer. This is for her nationwide movement initiative, The Nation’s 5K challenge.
At 18, Esmée was paralysed after complications arising from a medical procedure. She was told she would never walk again. Today, she has not only taught herself to walk but has gone on to complete more than 50 endurance events. As a realbuzz ambassador championing charity running for the past two years, Esmée has helped showcase the organisation’s mission. She aims to empower individuals on their own journeys and inspire them to achieve remarkable things for a greater purpose.
In this latest challenge, launching from 27 June – 3 October 2026, The Nation’s 5K aims to get one million people to complete a 5K. They can run, jog, or walk to inspire movement, community connection and greater accessibility to physical activity.
Throughout December 2025, Esmée and realbuzz are calling on charities and participants across the UK. They can apply or vote for the official charity partner for the challenge. This challenge will see Esmée run to every city in the UK and host a city-wide 5K event in each location.
As part of the sponsorship, realbuzz will manage the charity partnership and participant registration. This is for the nationwide 5K events. They will provide the option to donate upon sign up. Fundraising will be powered through GoFundMe, giving participants a simple, secure way to support the challenge.
John Coventry, Senior Vice President at GoFundMe, said: “GoFundMe is delighted to be the official fundraising partner for The Nation’s 5K challenge. Together, we can turn individual effort into meaningful impact.”
“We’re incredibly proud to be sponsoring Esmée for The Nation’s 5K challenge. Her ambition to get one million people moving aligns perfectly with our mission. We aim to make running accessible for all,” says Nina Sethi, Head of Brand and Marketing at realbuzz. “By powering the registration and charity infrastructure behind the challenge, we’re enabling communities across the UK to come together. They can get active and support a cause that will have national impact.”
The Nation’s 5K challenge is built around the belief that moving together creates stronger, more active communities. New UK research commissioned by realbuzz highlights the power of group movement. Over half (57.4%) say group running boosts their drive, makes runs more enjoyable (49.3%), and helps people feel safer (50.9%). It also encourages them to keep going thanks to shared support (47%), and strengthens the social connection (40.1%). These findings highlight the power of collective movement, the core purpose behind Esmée’s national challenge.
“The Nation’s 5K challenge is about getting people moving together,” says Esmée Gummer. “Running transformed my life and this challenge is about making movement accessible, supportive and fun for everyone. I’m thrilled to have realbuzz sponsoring the project. Their platform will bring this vision to life at a national scale. Now we’re searching for the perfect charity to champion throughout the challenge.”
Charities and participants across the UK are invited to apply or vote to become the official charity partner for The Nation’s 5K challenge. This will be announced in January 2026. Applications open: 8th December – 9th January 2026 – register interest via www.realbuzz.com/thenations5km
