Ditch your London gym membership this May and try one of these quirky fitness challenges instead.
Lee Valley Aquathlon
The Lee Valley Aquathlon is a monthly event, kicking off on 3 May. Swim in the lake (250m or 500m) then run round the River Lee Country Park (3k or 5.5k) on the first Tuesday of each month until September. The Aquathlon is open to anyone over 18, whether you're just starting out or are a seasoned triathlete.
3 May, 7pm, Lee Valley White Water Centre, Waltham Cross, EN9
Ramble Round Richmond
Mark Deaf Awareness Week with a 7.4 mile ramble around Richmond Park, one of the quietest places in London. There'll be rest points along the way where you can enjoy light snacks.
7 May, 9.30am, Richmond Park, leaving from Sheen Gate Car Park
Muddy Dog Challenge
Take part in the UK's best obstacle course for humans and their doggy friends in aid of Battersea Dogs & Cats home. Choose between 2.5k and 5k challenges; and don't be put off if you don't have a dog. You can still join in without a canine accompanying you.
7 May, 9am, Brockwell Park, Dulwich Road, SE24
Color Me Rad
This month's first colour run comes from the Color Me Rad gang, offering a fun 5k round Wormwood Scrubs, accompanied by colour bombs, colour cannon and colour mortars. Start with a pristine white t-shirt and finish in a psychedelic rainbow of non-toxic, non-rash-inducing, coloured cornstarch.
7 May, 10am, Wormwood Scrubs, Scrubs Lane, Acton, W12
UK's First Jumping Rave
Are you ready for your first Jumping Rave? Think a DJ spinning inspirational beats, 100 trampolines, and glow sticks. All making one hour of serious jumping fitness fun.
14 May, 10.30-3.30pm, The Regal, Basketball Hall, Marylee Way, SE11
Tweed Run
The Tweed Run is a one-of-a-kind 12-mile cycle ride through London, with participants wearing their best tweed 1920s and 30s cycling attire, and enjoying various retro shenanigans en route. There are prizes for best dressed, best vintage bike, best decorated bike, and best moustache. One top tip: bowler hats are more bike-friendly than top hats.
14 May, Clerkenwell
Gauntlet Games
The Gauntlet Games promise a 10k or 5k obstacle course race with real gladiators and added giggles. Bounce, slide and fight your way through all kinds of crazy challenges: the Trent Park highlight is a giant slide from the Obelisk (the park's highest point) offering sweeping views across London.
14 May, 9.30am, Trent Park, Enfield, EN4
Colour Obstacle Rush
Hit this year's 5k Colour Obstacle Rush at Kempton Park Racecourse and you'll be able to enjoy all-new inflatables to slide, bounce, and tumble in as well as rapid fire sponge balls, space-hopper racing, foamy slip 'n' slides, water balloon mayhem, funny balance beams and plenty of other surprises.
28 May, Kempton Park Racecourse, Sunbury-on-Thames, TW16
Vitality London 10,000
The London 10,000 starts on The Mall and finishes opposite Buckingham Palace. Runners follow a route around the City of Westminster and the City of London, passing many of London's famous sights including Nelson's Column, St Paul's Cathedral, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey.
30 May, St James's Park
Did we miss any other cool fitness challenges taking place in London this May? Let us know in the comments below.
