January 2025: 73% of 16-25-year-olds say they prefer exercising outdoors in nature over working out in a gym, according to a new survey[i] by Endure24, hosts of the UK’s most popular 24-hour trail running events. The survey, which polled over 1,000 active young people in the UK, explores the various habits, motivations and barriers faced by the younger generation when it comes to taking part in physical activity.
Other key findings from the survey:
- Almost half (47%) of 16-25-year-olds feel calmer from exercising outdoors in nature, but just shy of a quarter (23%) of young people from ethnically diverse communities say they don’t have easy access to places to exercise outdoors.
- Over a third (34%) of 16-25-year-olds lack the confidence to take part in a sporting event or a youth sports training group.
- Half of 16-25-year-olds say exercising with friends or family helps them feel more motivated to exercise regularly, and 64% exercise with their parents or carers.
- Significantly, 81% of 16-25-year-olds are interested in taking part in a trail running event.
- Over a third (35%) of young women feel safer exercising with others and 35% say the chance to meet new people would inspire them to join a youth running club, showing the need for running communities where young women can feel safe and empowered.
This year, Endure24 is on a mission to inspire the next generation to embrace trail running and experience the transformative benefits of time spent outdoors in nature. In June 2025, they will host two 24-hour trail running events in Reading and Leeds, challenging participants to complete as many laps of a beautiful woodland course as possible within a 24-hour period. Open to runners aged 16 and over, these events create a safe, inclusive, and fun environment for young people to discover trail running
What sets these events apart is the flexibility to compete solo, in pairs, or as part of a team of up to 12. The team option is central to Endure24’s mission of making trail running accessible to younger participants, fostering teamwork, communication, and mutual support as they tackle the challenge to complete as many laps as they can over the 24 hours, running relay-style throughout the night.
Endure24 has partnered with TrailFam, a charity dedicated to improving young people’s lives through trail running. They will provide free race places to their young members and recruit race ambassadors to give them a platform to share their inspiring stories and, hopefully, inspire other young people to experience trail running. The collaboration will also see the Trailfam community leading a ‘shake-out’ for all participants to get involved with before the Leeds event begins. This collaboration was born from a growing need and a shared ambition to connect young people with nature and create opportunities for those who might not typically have access to outdoor spaces or feel a sense of belonging. Together, they aim to break down barriers and enable more young people in the UK to experience the benefits of trail running.
Nick Tuppen, CEO of Threshold Sports said: “Our Endure24 events are designed to tap into the social side of long-distance running and the party atmosphere makes them an ideal entry point for younger people to get into trail running. Threshold Sports hopes to inspire the next generation of trail runners from all backgrounds so that more young people can experience the joy of running as part of a team and the incredible benefits that come from being active outdoors.”
Danny Stokes, Founder of TrailFam said: “Our mission is to connect young people with nature, community, and personal growth and Endure24’s inclusive values align perfectly with this. We aim to inspire a love for the outdoors, foster resilience, and build a sense of belonging within a supportive community. Partnering with Endure24 is not just about running, it’s about showing our community that they’re part of something bigger and that their voices and stories matter, both on and off the trails. The partnership offers a unique platform to empower young runners to celebrate their potential and inspire more young people to challenge themselves.”
Meet the TrailFam Ambassadors, all of whom are available for media interviews:
Titi is in his final year of sixth form and started trail running in March 2024. In less than a year, he says that the sport has already had a huge impact on his life. He describes how TrailFam has not only introduced him to the beautiful sport of trail running but has opened so many doors, including the chance to compete in big international races. The community and support he’s found have been incredible, and it’s something he’s deeply grateful for.
He took part in Endure24 Leeds in 2024, coming second in the XL Fun Team category and is looking forward to returning to Leeds this year with his sights set on winning in this category. But beyond that, it’s the overall atmosphere that he’s most excited about – the vibes, the energy, and seeing everyone push themselves to their limits for 24-hours, leaving everything out on the course.
Diana is in her final year of sixth form and has been trail running for around 8 months. She describes TrailFam as a means of escape from her busy and stressful school life. It allows her to reconnect with nature and work on her mental health, as trail running has helped her to develop stronger mental resilience. She loves how she feels after a run because it reminds her that if she can complete that run, she can take on anything.
She is looking forward to the community aspect of Endure24, knowing she won’t be alone with a team to support her through the 24-hour challenge. She is excited to test herself during the race, push past her limits and feel a sense of achievement once she crosses the finish line.
Lusha is in her final year of sixth form and has been trail running for 7 months after first being introduced to the sport through a group training run. She says that being part of TrailFam has given her new opportunities and helped her to discover how liberating running can be. It has also shown her the immense benefits for both her mental and physical health and says she can always rely on the TraiFam community, whether for advice and support with her trail running journey, or just to have a great time.
She is excited for the unique opportunity to take part in Endure24 and is most looking forward to the relay aspect of the event and the team-building experience.
For more information contact: Aspire PR on thresholdsports@aspirepr.co.uk
Endure24 Reading takes place in Wasing Park on 7th – 8th June 2025
Endure24 Leeds takes place in Bramham Park on 28th – 29th June 2025
For more information on the parternstip visit www.endure24.co.uk/partner-trailfam
To enter into a 2025 Endure24 event visit www.endure24.co.uk
[i] Source: Survey was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Threshold Sports surveying 1,000 16-25 year-olds across the UK who participate in sports and/or physical activity once a week The survey was conducted in December 2024. The survey sourced responses from participants in the UK.