Step Into Spring Walking Challenge 2026

Cork Sports Partnership and Get Ireland Walking are delighted to announce the ‘Step into Spring’ Walking Challenge 2026 for primary schools, secondary schools and youth groups.

The challenge consists of 3 distance options and will begin on Monday February 16th and will run until Friday March 27th 2026. Teachers/leaders are now invited to register their school/group for free through the online form below. This year we are asking that you register your School/Youth Group and then let us know how many classes/groups will be taking part in the challenge.

What is involved?

• A teacher/leader registers their school/group via the registration link below.
  • Deadline for Registration is Monday February 2nd.
• Each school/group will be posted an A2 Step Into Spring Walking Challenge poster to track distance.
  • One tracking poster per class/group (students/participants do not receive an individual tracking poster)
• Each class/group will be posted a certificate to acknowledge their completed distance at the end of the campaign.
• Classes begin accumulating their target distance between February 16th and March 27th. 
  • The distance recorded is the one achieved by the class/group walking together and not a sum of the individual distances walked per student.

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

For questions or queries email:

• Email: Tim at [email protected]

Deadline for Registration is Monday February 2nd

Additional Get Your School Walking Workshop for Teachers

Cork Sports Partnership is thrilled to team up with the HSE Health Promotion Team to deliver a FREE Schools Walking Workshop designed to help schools and youth groups promote walking and active travel.

If you’re passionate about encouraging physical activity and creating a healthier environment for young people, this workshop is for you!

What You’ll Learn

• Physical Activity Guidelines and the current situation
• Walking & Active Travel Initiatives for school-aged children
• How to use the Get Your School Walking resource
• Details on the Step into Spring Schools Challenge
• Practical exercises to get started

Workshop Details

• Date: Thursday, February 5th
• Time: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
• Venue: Nemo Rangers GAA
• What to Bring: Comfortable clothing suitable for walking