Back 2 School Walking Challenge 2026

Cork Sports Partnership and Get Ireland Walking are delighted to launch the Back 2 School Walking Challenge 2026 for primary schools, secondary schools and youth groups across Cork.

The challenge is a fun and inclusive way to encourage young people to be active, enjoy the outdoors, and work together towards a shared walking goal. It follows National Walking Day on Sunday 27 September, with the challenge officially beginning on Monday 28 September and running until Friday 13 November 2026.

Teachers and youth leaders are now invited to register their class or group free of charge.

What’s Involved?

• Register your class, school or youth group using the online registration form below.
  • Register once per school if a number of classes are taking part
• Registration closes on Friday 18 September 2026.
• Each participating class/group will receive a Walking Challenge Resource Pack, including:
• A tracking poster to record progress throughout the challenge.
• A completion certificate to celebrate participation and achievement.
• Classes/groups will work together to accumulate distance during the challenge period.
• The distance recorded should be the distance walked together as a class or group, rather than a combined total of individual distances.

Youth Distances (4-12 years): 

• Gold distance: 25km
• Silver distance: 20km
• Bronze distance: 15km

Teen Distances (13-17 years):

• Gold distance: 50km
• Silver distance: 40km
• Bronze distance: 30km

Why Take Part?

The Back 2 School Walking Challenge encourages students to get moving, build healthy habits, and enjoy the many benefits of regular physical activity. Walking is a simple, accessible activity that helps improve physical health, supports wellbeing, and provides opportunities for social connection throughout the school day.

Whether it’s a short walk around the school grounds, a local walking route, or part of a PE lesson, every step counts!

Key Dates

• Registration Deadline: Friday 18 September 2026
• National Walking Day: Sunday 27 September 2026
• Challenge Start Date: Monday 28 September 2026
• Challenge End Date: Friday 13 November 2026

Register Today

Don’t miss out! Sign up your class or group today and receive your free Walking Challenge Resource Pack, complete with a tracking poster and completion certificate to help motivate and celebrate your participants.

For further information, contact:

Tim Burke
📧 [email protected]