Team members from Wessex Rivers Trust are embarking on two endurance challenges across the landscapes that shape and connect the rivers at the heart of our work, creating opportunities to spend time within the communities we serve, while raising significant funds for vital projects.

The journey begins in Salisbury, home to the city’s five rivers the River Avon, River Nadder, River Wylye, River Bourne and River Ebble before continuing along the River Test and concluding at the River Itchen.

Known as the 7 Rivers Challenge 2026 – Walk & Run Endurance Series, the initiative includes a marathon walk on 7th June and a marathon run on 4th October, comprising of both Wessex individual participants and relay teams.

Funds raised will help communities deliver essential work that often struggles to secure traditional funding, by it's very nature of being more challenging to quantify, including work on invasive non-native species action, education and engagement activities, and river health events.

The challenge is a shared commitment to celebrating, protecting and inspiring further investment in the future of our rivers, when there has never been more attention on them, by Wessex colleagues giving their blood, sweat and tears to conquer these events.

Many thanks for your support!