Outdoor Organisations Join Forces for First-Ever British ‘Walk Around the 
World in 80 Days’ Challenge
Outdoor organisations from the world of retail, outdoor gear, mapping, tourism, charity and social enterprise have officially joined forces for the first time to launch the ultimate British Summer walking challenge.
Beginning on July 27th, the first-ever ‘Walk the World in 80 Days’ challenge (www.gooutdoors.co.uk/80days) sees the UK’s largest outdoor retailer GO Outdoors link up with outdoor gear manufacturer Mammut; mapping company Ordnance Survey; outdoor charity Mountain Rescue; Swiss Tourism and Walk4Life.
The 80-day event challenges walkers young and old – eager newcomers and experienced enthusiasts alike – to discover and complete walks before declaring them online.
The combined total target distance is equivalent to the circumference of the earth – almost 25,000 miles in just 80 days.
For GO Outdoors, Russel Bennett said,
“This is a simple challenge to celebrate a Summer of walking and encourage as many people as possible to enjoy the outdoors. It’s about bringing the walking community together with a single aim in mind. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you are, or how far you walk. Just as long as you do! And it couldn’t be easier to get involved.”
From the 27th July to Thursday 14th October, walkers can declare their walks in seconds on the event web page (www.gooutdoors.co.uk/80days). And regular updates will display the combined progress of the walk on a global map.
Andrew Denton for Britain on Foot said,
“This event epitomises the spirit of the Britain on Foot campaign. The ‘Walk Around the World in 80 Days challenge has already seen some of the most influential outdoor organisations in the country all working together for the first time with a common aim.
“But now we need the British public to sit up and take notice. I’d urge anyone taking a walk this summer to get involved by telling us how far they’ve walked. You can declare your miles in a matter of seconds. And together we can walk around the world in 80 days.”
For Mammut, marketing manager Rob Sykes said,
“This summer will see thousand of us enjoying the outdoors. There’ll be everything from short fun family walks, to three peaks charity challenges. This campaign is an opportunity for us all to come together; share our passion for the outdoors; enjoy the health benefits; and, even raise a little money for worthy causes.”
Participants may donate to the official charity of the campaign – Mountain Rescue – at their discretion. However, mileage completed in any challenges – whichever charity benefits – can also be declared.
Each walker declaring miles online will receive a free trial of the Getamap service worth £7.99. And the website will also feature an exclusive prize draw for an eight-day hiking holiday for two worth £2,000 donated by the Swiss Travel Centre.
