ORGANISERS of a new endurance challenge that will test the stamina of even the fittest are encouraging people to sign up and join the tournament and raise much-needed funds for good causes.

The 727 Challenge, held during the August Bank Holiday weekend, will give participants the opportunity to play their part by running, cycling, rowing or skiing to smash a 5,000-mile target in just 24 hours.

Set up by Newbury businesses Ortho Consulting Group and Osteotec in partnership with Inner Athlete Gym and the SoPhysical sports injury clinic in Basingstoke, the team behind the event are aiming to raise £5,000 for three charities. 

Held at Inner Athlete Gym at Ash Park Business Centre in Tadley, the challenge kicks off at 7pm on Friday, August 26 culminating in a grand finish exactly 24 hours later with a team of 12 drawn from across the four companies battling exhaustion through the night to complete 2,500 miles between them.

READ MORE: Couple revamp Basingstoke hospital garden in daughter's memory

And they are calling on friends, family, colleagues and fitness enthusiasts to join them either in person at the Tadley gym or remotely to log their miles and make a donation to help them smash the 5,000-miles barrier. 

Proceeds from the challenge will be split between mental health charity Mind, the Chris Donovan Trust and the British Society for Surgery of the Hand (BSSH). 

“We’ve been lucky enough to experience the power of community and togetherness during the pandemic and we knew we wanted to give something back,” said Ortho Consulting Group founder Matt Woods.

“Our charity beneficiaries do amazing work to support people locally, nationally and in low-income countries worldwide. We hope our contribution can help wherever it may be needed. We’ve been blown away by the enthusiasm from people wanting to take part or help out on the day.”

Organisers have set up a JustGiving account where people can make a donation and record their miles.

Anyone who wants to take part on August 26 and 27 will find a dedicated area set up for them to use the Inner Athlete Gym facilities and volunteers on hand to log their activities, with refreshments from the Green Bean Coffee Co. on Saturday between 11am and 3pm and a barbecue from 3pm to 7pm.

People taking part are being asked to share pictures and videos of them in action on social media using the hashtag #727challenge.

SEE ALSO: Charter Alley near Tadley welcomes new village shop and café

Inner Athlete Gym owner Jessica Lavender said: “Charities across the board have had a difficult time during the pandemic and we’re so excited to give back this year. We’re all training hard to make sure we hit our 5,000-mile target and we want as many people to come down on the day and join in to keep wheels in motion for the full 24 hours. We know our wonderful community of members and clients will give their best to get the miles done on the day.”

To make a donation or find out more, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/727-challenge