Summer Solstice Walking Challenge
Introducing a DAY to remember
Lets dedicate one of the longest day of the year to talk openly about Mental Health.
Join us on either:
- Thursday 18th June at Barden Athletics track from 4.37am – 9.45pm approx.
- Monday 22nd June at Witton Park athletics arena, Blackburn with Darwen from 4.35am – 9.45pm approx.
The Summer Solstice Walking Challenge is designed to push physical and mental limits, a huge test of resilience and proving that with the right support you can put one step in front of the other when you don’t think you can anymore. The day dedicates itself to raise awareness of local mental health support services and raise vital funds for all local charities.
There is a £50 registration fee which can be taken from your fundraising total. Please use the discount code LMFREE when registering your place.
Register for Burnley Register for Blackburn
Can you walk continuously from sunrise to sunset on one of the longest days of the year?
We are into our 5th Year of the event and from the start, the event has aimed to:
- Raise awareness and vital funds of mental health services
- Charities working together to have a stronger voice and share skills, resources and the experience.
- To evidence with the right support, you can achieve anything
- 2025 Encouraged even more conversations around suicide prevention, bereavement support, peer support and veteran wellbeing.
Dedicate the longest day of the year to raise awareness of mental health services.
Whether you’re part of a business, community group, school, or just an individual who loves to walk – you can take on the full challenge, walk a couple of laps or anything in between!
What to expect
We know walking round in circles for 17 hours can seem a little out of the ordinary but believe us when we say it makes the perfect setting to ensure your fully supported throughout the day. There will be live music, refreshments and lots organisation who specialise in mental health showcasing their work.
The love and support that oozes out of the track is something we cant describe in words. As a walker you’ll have so many ups and downs throughout the day it really does simulate Mental Health down to the core. You’ll make so many life long friends, you’ll support each other through the tougher bits and celebrate together once that sunsets. Its the best feeling in the world.
In previous years people have walked between 40 and 55 Miles on the day. Its no mean feet.
How to get involved
Register to walk with for your chosen charity, share your why and your fundraising page far and wide.
Don’t want to walk for the whole day but still want to contribute and fundraise for us? BRAND NEW for 2026, you can set your own challenge. This can be anything you feel comfortable with. For example come all day but set yourself a challenge to walk a marathon! struggling to even walk a lap right now? set your self a challenge to walk 10? Can only make part of the day? challenge yourself top walk continuously for the time your there? If this option appeals to you more, please choose the challenge yourself option when registering your place.
Alternatively the event is open to all, all day. You can pop down to the track at anytime in the day to show your support. Maybe a walking team meeting? meet up with friends and pledge to do some daily steps.
Perhaps your a mental health organisation and would like to promote your services… get in touch.
Register for Burnley Register for Blackburn Enquiry: Summer Solstice Challenge
"One in six classroom age children are now experiencing a mental health condition."
We need your support.
Why is attending events like this so important?
The funds you raise will help Lancashire Mind to provide life changing support to those living with mental health conditions across Lancashire, through free and accessible services.
Get in touch
If you have any questions or would like additional details please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Fundraising Lead Andrea Pollard using the link below.
