Question 1

What is the Christmas Marathon?

Accepted Answer

The Christmas Marathon is a FREE festive challenge between 1-31 December. You can choose to either run/walk 42.2km (26.2 miles), or swim 10k or ride 100km. There is also THE TRIPLE challenge - to do all 3!

There is no fee to enter, just a lot of fun and a great medal. There is a FREE medal option (sent on submission of your result). Christmas Marathon medal, swim cap and t shirt (technical and cotton) are all available for purchase.

Question 2

How do I log in to my Active account?

Accepted Answer

If you have already entered and want to change your details, or buy some merch, please follow the links below:

To logon you'll need your email and password you set for your Active registration. Please use this guide.

To login to your Active account, please click here

Question 3

How long do I have to complete the distance?

Accepted Answer

Christmas Marathon is over the 31 days of December. You can start on 1 Dec and finish 31 Dec, or somewhere in between. Only distances recorded in December will count.

All results need to be submitted before 23:45 on 5 January 2027. Result submissions cannot be accepted after this time.

Question 4

Where can I do the Christmas Marathon?

Accepted Answer

You can take part indoors or outside, in the gym or on trails, in a pool or in a safe, staffed swimming location. UK based participants only.

You can even do a mix of venues/locations. It's your challenge, you decide.

Question 5

When do I receive my merchandise purchased?

Accepted Answer

When you enter Christmas Marathon, if you have purchased the medal, t shirt or swim cap we'll send you these straight away.

The medal will be marked in an envelope stating that it is ONLY to be opened once you have completed your challenge.

If you selected the FREE medal option, the medals are only sent out to you once you have submitted your result. However, if you choose the paid for medal option, this is sent to you immediately.

If you order your merchandise/medal prior to 20 December, we'll get it in the post (Royal Mail) to hopefully arrive prior to Christmas. Merchandise/medals purchased after 20 December may arrive after Christmas.

If you add your merchandise/medals to your account AFTER you have entered, then please email us at info@participationsport.com to notify us of your amended purchase(s) - thank you.

Question 6

Can I fundraise for charity?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely - we encourage it!

You can fundraise for whomever you wish. It would be great to know who you are fundraising for, so please do include this information in your registration.

Question 7

I would like my merchandise to arrive before Christmas. What's the last date I can order?

Accepted Answer

We recommend you order as early as possible to ensure a pre-Christmas delivery.

The last possible date for orders received by us is 20th December 2026 - we will ensure these are posted in time for (a hopeful) delivery pre-Christmas.

If you have added merchandise to your account post-entry, please email us at info@participationsport.com to let us know. We can then fast track your order.

Question 8

How do I log my activity?

Accepted Answer

You can log your activity on apps, trackers or even manually

To submit your result all you need is one image of your results - this could be a photo or screenshot of your app or even a photo of a paper record.

There will be a link to the results page on the home page of the website.

If you do not wish to be included on the leaderboard, but still wish to be recorded as having completed your challenge, please submit your time as 59:59:59

Question 9

Where and how do I submit my result?

Accepted Answer

When you have completed your challenge, please take one single image of your result (screenshot of your app/tracker or manual record) and submit it here (online results open from 1 December). There is a RESULTS button on the HOME Page of the christmasmarathon.co.uk website.

You will need your R-Number to submit your result. This can be found on your confirmation email.

Time is recorded as hh:mm:ss

This will add you to our leaderboard, once we have verified your result.

If you do not want to submit a time or be included on the leaderboard - simply record your time as 59:59:59

If you are unable to find your confirmation email for your R-Number, please email us at info@participationsport.com and we'll let you know your number.

Question 10

When do I have to complete my challenge AND submit my result by?

Accepted Answer

You must complete your challenge by 23:45 31 December.

You must also submit your result by 23:45 5th January. If you do not submit your result before this time, you will not be included in the results.

Please be aware that the FREE medals are only sent out on your submission of your result.

No free medals will be sent out after 5 January.

Question 11

I can no longer take part, what do I do?

Accepted Answer

If you have entered but no longer able to take part, then you don't need to do anything.

If you didn't buy any merchandise or medals,  then you will simply not submit your result.

If you did buy merchandise and you'd like this sent, then please send us an email on info@participationsport.com

Question 12

Can I swap my t shirt size?

Accepted Answer

You can exchange your t shirt for a different size. You will need to post (and pay) for a return and if the t shirt returned is unused and in good condition we'll send you your preferred size.

Exchanges of t shirts are only possible within the style selected.

No exchanges will be possible after 5 January. All exchanges are subject to availability.

Question 13

Can I get a refund?

Accepted Answer

Refund and deferrals are not offered. The event is free to enter and any merchandise or medals purchased are pre-ordered and will be sent to you directly.

Frequently asked questions