Join the RunAcrossUK Team and help change the narrative!!!
My name is Iris and I am delighted to be organising RunAcrossUK for its second year. This event aims to raise £50,000 for the Down’s Syndrome Association and Down’s Syndrome Scotland.
The RunAcrossUK Team will be running, walking and cycling from John o’Groats to Lands End. The 1,000 mile event will take place across the weekend 20-22 March 2026 in line with International Down Syndrome Day. “RunAcrossUK Weekend” highlights the power of community and is a demonstration of the influence that each one of us holds. By people coming together to support a common cause, we are able to raise vital funds for two charities that support the Down’s Syndrome community. I am looking for people to sign up to either run, walk or cycle a leg of our journey from John o’Groats to Land’s End. Feel free to divide the section up between friends, colleagues or family members to make it more manageable. It doesn’t matter whether you are a sports enthusiast or new to these activities, I would like to have as many people taking part in this event as possible.
I am inspired by my little sister Nancy who has Down’s Syndrome. Everyday she encourages me to view life with more beauty and optimism. I have set up RunAcrossUK to encourage an active conversation with friends, family and strangers about the beauty and challenges of Down’s Syndrome. I hope it will inspire people to be inquisitive and open about their experiences and help to change the narrative surrounding Down’s Syndrome. Each one of us has a sphere of influence that extends ripples throughout the world. By joining the RunAcrossUK Team you can be part of this ripple of change.
This is an event where everyone can get involved. You can walk, cycle or run. We have pre-arranged routes and distance but If you can only manage part of that distance, this will all go towards us completing that leg.
Register Now and be part of something really special…
When: 20th – 22nd March
Time: Anytime
Where: Throughout the UK
Registration fee: Free
Sponsorship: £210
If you are interested in taking part you can register now at the link below.
Quotes from previous participants
Rhiannon – “This was such a lovely, uplifting thing to do together as a family. The fact the run was a relay meant we could all join in, whatever our running abilities and fitness levels. And it really helped raise our awareness of Down Syndrome, and all the work these two important charities do.”
Ollie – “ I loved having the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives while doing something I enjoy.”
Lorna – “When I heard about it and got in touch with Iris , I was so touched by her love for her sister, and by her passion to raise money and awareness for DSA and DSS, that I was more than happy to become involved. In my own fund-raising part of RunAcrossUK people I didn’t even know very well were so supportive of the cause. I was glad to be part of something that really was something lovely and big in relation to raising awareness and understanding of Downs Syndrome. Iris has raised so much awareness and meeting her, her sister and her family was a truly lovely experience. Hopefully we can do this all again next year.”
Izzy – “RunAcrossUK was more than just an event, it was about being part of a team. The community that Iris and Nancy brought together was incredible, and the support shown throughout was truly inspiring. It also introduced me to new challenges. I had never run before, and Run Across gave me a purpose — a reason to train, to push myself, and I actually enjoyed the run.”
George – “Personally I thought the incredible amount of support from the team in the groupchat whilst running was immense and certainly helped me continue running as there was someone always cheering you on in the background! As well as the amazing organisation and communication from the team when organising running positions & times, made it all feel super simplistic!”
Luke – “I loved the community spirit of everyone coming together for a good cause and the feeling of being a small part of achieving something massive.”
Restriction
Please think carefully about planning your route to ensure your own safety
Accessibility
We aim to ensure that our events are as inclusive as possible. That’s why you can walk, cycle and run any distance on your own or as part of a team.
Why support Down’s Syndrome Scotland?
We want to help everyone with Down’s syndrome reach their fullest potential through every age and stage of life. We know that one of the best ways of doing this is by supporting families and carers.
As a small, committed charity we want to ensure we reach every community in Scotland that needs us, by not only providing support, services and training but also calling out injustice and inequality.
By taking part in Run Across, you can help us make amazing things happen for people with Down’s syndrome living in Scotland.
How we will support you
When you sign up to run for us, you will receive:
If you have any questions, please contact us by emailing fundraising@dsscotland.org.uk or call 0300 030 2121.