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 operated by Threshold Sports.

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:

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.”

Check out the Threshold Sports RIA Foundation Member profile here