Walk it, jump it or run it - just do it for Barnardo's Safe and Sound Appeal! The Great Midlands Fun Run is a fun event for people of all ages and abilities.

Great Midlands Fun Run

This 8.5 mile route starts with an uphill climb out of Sutton Coldfield town centre, into Anchorage Road, passing Sutton Town Hall and Wyndley Leisure Centre before turning right onto Monmouth Drive. From here, you enter Sutton Park and wind your way round the park before tackling 'Cardiac Hill' on your way out at the Four Oaks Gate.

The final 1.5 miles to the finish is the easy bit, reasonably level or downhill, into Sutton Town Centre. The route is described as 'challenging but great fun', and for those of you with a competitive streak, offers the chance to test yourself against other runners of all ages and abilities.

A spectacular hike from the Dead Sea to Petra - float in the Dead Sea, sleep under the stars, and visit the red rock city of Petra.

Let's Trek For Children, Jordan Desert Challenge

This is a truly spectacular hike through the Arabian desert in Jordan starting at the Dead Sea - the lowest point on earth - and finishing in the ancient city of Petra. Sleeping under the stars each night you will trek with Bedouin guides through areas of amazing solitude and great beauty, camping in Bedouin tents each night.

This is an opportunity to be part of an exciting and fun-filled adventure in an amazing location, knowing that every step taken will benefit hundreds of sick and disadvantaged youngsters through the work of not only Barnardo's, but also Dreams Come True, Kith & Kids, and MedEquip4Kids.

An amazing trek winding through remote areas of the Highlands of Scotland, this challenge takes you from the East to the West Coast, through a spectacular landscape of glens and hill lochs.

Coast to Coast Eco Challenge

This 4 day challenge comes with a strong emphasis on the preservation of the environment through camping and trekking. Starting at Bonar Bridge on the East Coast of Scotland, you will trek into the Alladale Wilderness Reserve, to the remote Glenbeg Bothy and on to Loch Broom. Trekking for around 7 hours a day, the breathtaking landscape provides ample opportunity to recharge your spirit and soul.

Run for the hills, up the hills and, then, back down again. This is Scotland's biggest marathon and it's a real beauty.

The hills are alive

The second biggest marathon in the UK (for the statistically minded), this is also one of the most attractive places to push your body to the limit. You can run the 26.2 miles on your own, or enter a 'Hairy Haggis' Team Relay, in which teams of four split the marathon distance between them.

With a soft breeze from the Firth of Forth and Edinburgh Castle usually overseeing the event, you'll have a spring in your step (and possibly a wee dram of whisky in sight) as you climb the final meters through Holyrood Park.

Join 2500 cyclists for a choice of 3 rides through the stunning Cheshire countryside.

Liverpool to Chester Bike Ride

This fantastic event has something for all abilities, with 3 different routes all starting with a cycle through the Queensway Tunnel under the River Mersey. The rides are open to anyone aged 10 and over (although cyclists under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult).

The Wirral Circular Ride

This is the shortest ride at 25 miles, from Liverpool to Thornton Hough and back, including a return trip through the Queensway Tunnel.

The 30 Mile Ride

This is the outward route from Liverpool to Chester, with cyclists returning to Liverpool by train at the end of their ride.

The Main Ride

This ride is 54 miles and takes in the glorious north Cheshire countryside, and the villages of Willaston, Ledsham and Mollington before returning via the Wirral and the Birkenhead Tunnel to Liverpool.

Here's two crucial questions you have to ask yourself before signing up to this event: can you run 26 miles in one day? And will Nessy be there to cheer you on? Clearly there's only one way to find out.

Run to the hills

Accustomed to staying hidden from curious scientists, this is the day that Nessy really makes sure she takes to her bed. If not, she would have to contend with literally thousands of eagle-eyed runners and spectators during the Loch Ness Marathon.

This monster race has all the ness-essary (sorry, couldn't resist) requirements for a truly amazing experience. It starts on the banks of the Loch. Then a rigorous run takes you through stunning Highland scenery to the finish in Queen's Park Stadium, Inverness.

Voted in the top three running events in the UK by Runner's World, it's a whole new reason to visit the most famous lake in Scotland.

Northern Rock Cyclone Challenge rides are now recognised as some of the premier cycling events in the UK. If you want to test your fitness and set yourself a personal challenge, read on to see how you could enter one of three different distance events in the beautiful Northumbrian countryside.

Northern Rock Cyclone Challenge

On 13th June you have the chance to enter one of three events, which ensures that there is a challenge for everyone while allowing cyclists to ride within their capabilities. All rides meander through the Northumbrian countryside, passing through quiet lanes and hidden unspoilt villages. All rides start and finish at the Newcastle Falcons Rugby Club, and will use part of the route to be used on the Sunday by the elite riders when they compete in the Beaumont Trophy - an event used by UK selectors to pick the Great Britain team for international races!

You can choose from the following three events:

Ride A - 33 miles
Designed for families and those who just want to enjoy the countryside without any large hills.

Ride B - 62 miles
Designed for semi serious cyclists or those who want a challenge, this is a hilly route and not to be entered without some previous training.

Ride C - 101 miles
A serious challenge for the more experienced cyclists or the very fit, this is a very hilly route, with 8 significant climbs, and with the additional challenge of achieving Gold, Silver or Bronze standard for your ride depending on your finishing time.

For more information about how to get involved, read on.

Don't fancy the marathon just yet? Or perhaps you've already done it, and just want to experience a shorter race around some of the most famous parts of the capital. Either way, this new 10km race is already one of the most popular races in the running calendar so don't miss out!

Congratulations and thank you to all of our fantastic runners who completed the Bupa London 10,000 - it was great to see so many of you along the course, and we hope you enjoyed the day. Thank you so much for all of your hard work and support over the past few months!

2010 BUPA London 10,000

This fantastic race starts on Birdcage Walk and follows an anti-clockwise route around the City of Westminster and the City of London, before finishing in the Mall.

Runners will pass many of London's most recognisable sights, including Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, The London Eye, Tate Gallery, the Bank of England, St Paul's Cathedral, Nelson's Column and Admiralty Arch. Buckingham Palace serves as the backdrop for the start and finish, so this really is a memorable route.

To find out more about the Barnardo's team, read on...

This year the Cairngorm Challenge is back and it's bigger and better than ever! This year, Barnardo's are offering 3 routes - Bronze, Silver and Gold, ranging from a 15km hike to an 80km hike and bike combination.

Barnardo's Cairngorm Challenge 2009

The Barnardo's Cairngorm Challenge has established itself as an iconic adventure through some of Scotland's most stunning scenery. Now in its third year, the 2009 Cairngorm Challenge sees the introduction of four route options to provide a diverse choice catering for differing levels of fitness and capability.

Ranging from a 15km hike up Scotland's sixth highest Munroe, to an 80km classic hike and bike combination, the Cairngorm Challenge offers choice and flexibility as well as the chance to support Barnardo's. The routes are as follows:

Bronze - 15km hike or 35km bike
Silver - 15km hike and 35km bike (50km in total)
Gold - 20km hike and 60km bike (80km in total)

If that wasn't enough, there's an early bird discount on the registration fee - sign up by 30th April to get 25% off.

Starting and finishing in Hyde Park, this brand new half marathon event winds through the four Royal Parks of central London, and takes in some of the capital's most iconic landmarks. This whirlwind sight-seeing tour promises to be one of the most memorable events in the running calendar.

Royal Parks Half Marathon

Thank you so much to all of our fantastic runners in the 2008 event - we hope you enjoyed the cheering and the incredible October sunshine! If you're interested in this event for 2009 then read on...

This fantastic course (rumoured to be earmarked for the 2012 Olympics) takes in world renowned landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye, as well as running along the Thames and visiting St James's Park, Green Park and Kensington Gardens before finishing back in Hyde Park again.

Entries are limited for this race, but you can either register now for your own place on the Royal Parks Half Marathon website, or apply for one of our guaranteed places.

Drive your very own team of Huskies 250km across the Arctic, up mountains, over the Ice Valley, through forests and over frozen lakes. Join this Arctic Challenge and spend six days sledding into the heart of Lapland on an experience you will never forget!

No previous dog sledding experience is necessary, as full training will be provided for you on how to steer and brake your sled before you take charge of your team. This is no ordinary charity challenge - you will be erecting your own tents, cooking for yourself on camping equipment, as well as helping to harness, feed and clean up after the Huskies! But it's not all work, work, work - watching the Aurora Borealis and sledding through dramatic landscapes should be reward for your efforts!

Over six days you'll sled (and push) up mountains and across wild landscapes, through forests and across lakes travelling from Tromso in Norway to your destination at the world famous Ice Hotel in Jukkasjarvi in Sweden.

No, we're not asking you to settle yourself down for a night of razzle-dazzle! Instead of watching the musical, you could experience the sights and sounds of Chicago first hand as you run through the various districts which combine to make up this diverse city.

Why run in Chicago?

Runners from all 50 US states and over 120 countries will be gathering together on 11th October 2009, and you could be joining them! Another flat, fast course, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is one of the World Marathon Majors attracting elite athletes as well as amateurs.

Starting with a stunning view of the Chicago skyline from Grant Park, some of the sights you will take in include the historic Chicago Theater, Lincoln Park, Wrigley Field (home to the Chicago Cubs) and the University of Illinois. Not only that, but crowds line the streets for the entire route, cheering, waving flags and ringing cowbells to help create an incredible atmosphere for you to run in.

Barnardo's has a limited number of guaranteed entries into this unique event, so get in touch to find out more!

The real,- Berlin Marathon claims to be one of the most attractive races in the world, and the route certainly takes in many famous landmarks. The flat, fast course provides an advantage for those looking for a good time, so whether this will be your first marathon or your fortieth, it could well be the challenge for you!

Why run in Berlin?

40,000 people can't be wrong, and that's how many athletes line up near the Brandenburg Gate every year to take part in this great running event, while over 1 million spectators line the course to create an electric atmosphere.

As the race takes you through various districts of this intriguing city, you will pass such famous landmarks as the Reichstag, Berliner Dom and the Konzerthaus - not bad for a Sunday morning run! Barnardo's has guaranteed race entries available for this enticing challenge, so get in touch with us today!

Saddle up and ride your new trusty friend through the plains, forests and mountains of dramatic Mongolia. Keep an eye out for rock paintings of ancient gods alongside the Ikh Yan Mountains. And try your hardest to master the art of one-handed photography, so you can snap all the deer, wolves and moose you meet along the way.

Push yourself and your bike to the limit. Take a rigorous ride from the ancient Inca capital of Cusco, through the Andes until… Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! You experience a breathtaking 1,400m descent into the Amazon rainforest.

From the lush Mekong Delta in Vietnam to famous world heritage site of Angkor in Cambodia, this is your chance to travel through time on a bike. Take a well-earned rest at each temple and sample local dishes at markets along the way. This is a true culture cycle.

Leave the bustle of London Town behind and head for the channel. Once across you can swap your ‘hello' for ‘bonjour' as you head towards the sound of corks popping under the Eiffel Tower. This is one of our most alluring challenges.

Your London to Paris cycling challenge will see you riding nearly 200 miles (320kms) over 3 days and through 2 countries. Starting in the bustle of London, you will navigate your way through England's capital and out into the leafy suburbs.

Crossing by ferry into France you will cycle on through the beautiful French countryside into Paris to the foot of the Eiffel Tower. Celebrate in style with a glass of champagne overlooking the Seine, under the shade of Paris's most famous landmark.

Take in some of the world's most beautiful and politically important landscape - including Che Guevara's monument in Santa Clara - on this 350km ride from Havana to Trinidad. Then enjoy some salsa celebrations when you finish!

Enjoy a long-weekend trek around the remote mountainous land of the Berbers - the indigenous people of North Africa. The scenery is breathtaking - unlike anything you're likely to get out of your living room or office window!

High Atlas Challenge

This challenge offers a tough, yet incredibly rewarding trek combining unforgettable mountain scenery with the splendour and colour of Morocco and its traditional people, the Berbers.

In the midst of this diverse and spectacular land lies the High Atlas mountain range, home to Jebel Toubkal - one of the tallest peaks in North Africa at 4,167m high. Trekking for 5 to 8 hours a day, reaching the peak of this awesome mountain signifies the peak of your long weekend, before you finish in the vibrant city of Marrakech.

As avenues go - this one is pretty hot. Sitting on Ecuador's equator line, the Avenue of the Volcanoes is a spectacular trek. The climax is Mt. Cotapaxi, the world's highest active volcano. So are you ready to turn up the heat?

It comes as no surprise that the views from the summit of Africa's Mount Kilimanjaro are incredible. When you reach it - and you know you will - you'll be 5,895m above sea level. It might not be easy, but it could be the most rewarding trek you ever do.

Does a physical challenge get any more iconic than this? Trek with the Sherpa kings of the mountains to the village of Namche Bazaar. Then, onwards and upwards 5,545m to the famous Everest base camp at Kalapathar.

It's not called the Great Wall of China for nothing. And trekking along the structure you can see from space will reward you with views of vast mountain ranges, crumbling ancient watchtowers and an invaluable lesson in human perseverance.

Each day of your adventure will see you trekking approximately 12kms along the Great Wall's stony path, twisting and winding its way along the mountains, interspersed with crumbling watchtowers.

This is a demanding, but also very rewarding challenge, particularly on a clear day when you can look at the vast and beautiful mountain ranges. It won't take much for your imagination to transport you back several centuries to when the wall was the frontline defence of Imperial China.

Read on to find out more about what this trip involves.

It's called the lost city of the Incas. But thanks to our very clever guide, you'll soon find it. By trekking along the Cusichaca River and the famous flag-stoned trail, you'll reach the spectacular ruins of Machu Picchu in all its inspirational glory.

A unique opportunity to combine the exhilaration of a Himalayan trek with a visit to the home of Tibet's exiled spiritual leader - The Dalai Lama. We can't promise anything, but you might just hear some words of wisdom from the great man himself (depending on His Holiness' commitments).

Forget beach parties and incense sticks. Experience the real Thailand on this six-day trek that comes with rafting, kayaking and elephant rides thrown in. Highlights include the infamous Death Railway and the bridge over the River Kwai. Yes, the real one!

Join the madding crowds and sign yourself up for Portsmouth's much-loved and exhilarating Great South Run. Tell your feet that it's only 10 miles to the beach and you'll be there in no time.

Great South Run

Televised live on Channel 5, the Great South Run is Europe's leading 10 mile road race. Each year 21,000 runners line up to tackle the fast, flat course through Southsea, Portsmouth. This race has been awarded the coveted IAAF gold label status making it the first 10 miler in the world to be given the accolade for its exceptional standards of organisation and world class elite fields.

Barnardo's has a limited number of guaranteed places available in this great event, so if you want to run for the added achievement of helping to transform children's lives then just get in touch today.

Feeling ready for a new challenge? How about London's most exciting multi-event race - the famous Triathlon. Three times the challenge, three times the fun.

1, 2, 3. As easy as ABC

If you're a) a very indecisive person or b) game for anything and, c) determined to help Barnardo's believe in children, a triathlon is right up your street. With swimming, cycling and running - this event gives you a training programme to get you out of the washing-up every night for months.

The London Triathlon is one of the most exciting events in the sporting calendar. Thousands of extremely game athletes race around the capital in very tight wetsuits, very tight cycling shorts and very tight (well, properly secured) trainers.

There are several different distance options to choose from, so you don't have to have Ironman status to get the finish line in your sights. The third finish line that is.

This 5km fun run in celebration of fatherhood is great for all the family - everyone's welcome and you'll get a fantastic headband for the race, and be rewarded with a DadsDash medal!

DadsDash 2010

DadsDash, in partnership with Royal Mail Group, will be back and will take place in London in February 2010. More details of this event will appear here later in the year, so please check back.

Fancy a team challenge that doesn't involve the words 'pub' and 'quiz'? How about climbing into a large dingy and taking on some whitewater rapids? It's all for charity.

Messing about on the whitewater river

Raging torrents, plunging waterfalls, jagged outcrops - not your picture-postcard image of the Great British waterways. But it's all out there just waiting to be taken on. We'll supply the whitewater raft, paddle and an instructor to guide you through the rapids. You just need to supply the nerve.

It is without doubt one of the most exhilarating ways of getting downstream and each of our whitewater rafting locations has a different set of challenges for you to face.

But wherever you embark on your journey, you're guaranteed at least two hours of rapids, racing and general wetness. A truly fast and furious adventure.

Set your sights sky high and do a parachute jump! And when you're falling fast towards the ground, just keep repeating 'It's for the kids. It's for the kids'. Obviously, don't forget to pull your ripcord.

Free falling

Raising money for Barnardo's and knowing you're helping vulnerable children all around the UK is bound to give you a warm glow inside. But if you're the kind of person who craves a little more, how about a 120mph drop from an aeroplane a mile up in the clouds to really prove you care?

Parachute jumping is one of the ultimate adrenaline rushes, and - after you've pulled the ripcord, and shot up a bit, the tranquil descent back to earth is a breathtaking experience.

There are 25 approved centres around the UK that will allow you to take this extraordinary challenge, and a whole range of dates to choose from. All you have to do is take that small step and enjoy that fun falling feeling.

Sign up for one of the biggest runs on the calendar. This hilly half marathon comes complete with a great big northern welcome. Head to the Angel of the North and feel the love.

The Great North Run

Join more than 50,000 runners pounding the 13.1 miles from Newcastle to South Shields. Then paddle in the sea to celebrate completing the truly Great North Run. It's the biggest half marathon in the world and, quite simply, one of the most fun days you can spend in trainers.

If that wasn't enough - if you register to be part of the Barnardo's team before 20th May 2009, you will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win one of three Polar RS800CX RUN training computers (RRP £454). Have a look at the terms and conditions for the prize draw in the 'quick fact' section to the right of this page.

Once you've registered to take part, you will receive all of our team benefits, including a comprehensive training and fundraising pack, a Barnardo's running vest, cheering stations and post-race refreshments, the opportunity to visit a Barnardo's project and a training day, not to mention that prize draw. So what are you waiting for?

Put your best foot forward, then your other one - and keep going for 26 and a bit miles. Join one of the biggest and most fun marathons in the world. Go on, we'll be there cheering you on!

Thank you to our 2009 runners

Thank you so much to our fantastic team of runners in the 2009 Flora London Marathon - it was great to see you all around the route, and at our post-race party. We hope you saw us too, and that you are now celebrating your incredible achievements!

Virgin London Marathon 2010

If you are interested in running in the 2010 Virgin London Marathon, you can enter the online ballot for your own place from 27th April 2009. The ballot fills up very quickly, so do register early on to avoid disappointment. We will have guaranteed places for 2010, so if you are interested in running with Barnardo's then just get in touch! You will need to complete an application for one of our guaranteed places, so you can download the form here: 2010_London_Marathon_-_application_form.pdf

Run the most glamorous marathon in the world - in New York City. See the sights, soak up the atmosphere and sweat out the small pre-race martini you treated yourself to the night before.

New York, New York

Probably the most famous road race in the world, the New York Marathon has turned the art of long-distance running into a huge, buzzing media event. Taking in all five boroughs of NYC, it now attracts more than 90,000 runners from all over the globe - so you could pick-up a handy new business contact before you cross the finish line in Central Park.

Barnardo's guaranteed places in this event are now full. However, you can still be part of this great event by going through a tour operator. Sportstours International and 2.09 Events Ltd both offer packages including race entry, and to help you with the cost of these packages, Barnardo's runs an incentive scheme. For every £1000 you raise, if you have a tour operator package, we will reimburse £250 of your costs (with written proof of expenditure, for race entry, flights and accommodation only), up to a maximum reimbursement of £1000 if you raise £4000 in sponsorship. For full terms and conditions, please contact us directly.

The Cardiff Half Marathon is rapidly becoming one of the top events of the autumn running calendar. The course takes you past Cardiff's most beautiful landmarks and is flat and fast, making it a perfect opportunity to beat that personal best!

Cardiff Half Marathon

The exciting course starts in Cardiff's Civic Centre. You'll run past historical landmarks such as Cardiff's castle before cutting along the waterfront of Cardiff Bay and through the greenery of Bute Park. 'It's like taking a whistle-stop tour of the Welsh capital.'

Barnardo's organises this event, and we're offering our runners a range of great goodies and benefits in addition to those included when you register, including a personalised running vest, post-race reception and free massage.

Swing (well, trek) through a jungle. Walk (well, climb) up south East Asia's highest mountain. And then drift (very quickly) down some rapids. How's that for an adventure?

Discover a wealth of weird and wonderful wildlife by bike, raft and on foot

Join Barnardo's on the trek of a lifetime through one of the world's most spectacular and endangered habitats.

Over two days, you'll cycle past 'old men of the woods' and trek high above flying foxes to the summit of Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in South East Asia. Then, to finish, you'll white-water raft through jungle filled with exotic plants and creatures like clouded leopards and bearded pigs.

Oh, did I mention there are rare Asian elephants, rhinoceroses and long-nosed proboscis monkeys too?