50% of funds guaranteed for two charities, with the remaining 50% distributed to multiple charities decided by public vote
Imagery available HERE
Wings for Life and Sport In Mind have been announced as the headline charity partners for The Nation’s 5K Challenge, a nationwide movement aiming to get one million people moving across the UK in 2026.
Led by endurance athlete and fitness coach, Esmée Gummer, the challenge will run from 27 June to 3 October 2026, inviting people of all abilities to complete an inclusive 5K – whether running, jogging or walking.
As part of the campaign, Esmée will travel to cities across the UK, hosting accessible, community-led 5K events designed to bring people together through movement. Sign-ups are now open for the first 10 free 5K events, starting in Scotland, via the realbuzz website, with further locations and dates to be announced.
Under the unique fundraising model powered by GoFundMe, 25% of total funds raised will go to Wings for Life and 25% to Sport In Mind, with the remaining 50% distributed to other nominated charities chosen through a public vote by participants throughout the challenge. The approach guarantees significant impact for the headline partners while empowering communities to support a wide range of causes nationwide.
“This challenge is about people, purpose and possibility,” said Esmée Gummer. “Wings for Life and Sport In Mind represent causes that are incredibly close to my heart and I’m so proud to have them as headline partners. What makes this even more exciting is that the public will help decide where the remaining funds go. It’s a challenge powered by the community, for the community.”
Wings for Life, a global foundation funding spinal cord injury research, has previously worked with Esmée and has a strong personal connection to her journey. She was paralysed at 18 before teaching herself how to walk again and going on to compete in multiple endurance events, becoming a passionate advocate for charity running as a realbuzz ambassador.
Emma Hind, Wings for Life UK CEO said: “We’re incredibly proud to be named a headline charity partner for The Nation’s 5K Challenge. Esmée’s story powerfully reflects why our work matters and this partnership will help fund vital research to find a cure for spinal cord injury. The scale and inclusivity of this challenge make it truly special.”
Sport in Mind, the UK’s leading mental health sports charity, will use the funds raised to expand its vital work supporting adults and young people experiencing mental health problems through sport and physical activity.
Samantha Rosier, Senior Fundraising Manager for Sport In Mind said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have been selected as a headline charity partner. Sport in Mind was founded on the belief that sport and physical activity can change lives and this partnership reflects that shared commitment. Together, we can reach more people experiencing mental health problems and support them to improve their wellbeing through the power of movement.”
The challenge is supported by realbuzz, the world’s leading provider of charity running programmes. Realbuzz will support event registrations, charity partnerships and donations in partnership with GoFundMe, making it easy for participants to sign up, get active and support causes they care about.
Nina Sethi, Head of Brand and Marketing at realbuzz, said: “The Nation’s 5K Challenge is about breaking down barriers to participation while maximising charitable impact. Announcing Wings for Life and Sport In Mind as headline charity partners is a major milestone and opening sign-ups for our first free 5K events marks the next exciting step.”
John Coventry, Senior Vice President at GoFundMe, said: “Esmée’s mission to use her platform to drive profile fundraising aligns perfectly with what GoFundMe was built to do. Bringing together digital platforms, running and good causes, this is a perfect partnership – and we wish her and everyone taking part the best of luck with the challenge.”
Participants can now register for the first 10 free 5K events, vote for additional charity partners at www.realbuzz.com/thenations5km and option to donate to Esmée’s fundraising page at www.gofundme.com/f/im-running-the-uk-and-fundraising-every-step-of-the-way. Further event locations and campaign announcements will be revealed soon.
