Rules of The Triple Challenge

Our Challenge

Challenge your mind, body and social conscience. Learn a new skill. Take on a new physical challenge. Make a social contribution. Feel fulfilled.

Why would you take part in the The Triple Challenge?

  • A structured and creative approach for a healthy and interesting lifestyle
  • You decide on your own level of commitment – whether at Bronze, Silver or Gold level
  • Personal achievement. You should get real satisfaction from each of the three elements
  • Development of new skills, sports and/or connections
  • Use, if you wish, of your cumulated skills and wisdom for the benefit of others and within a publicly recognised context.

If you complete the challenge you will have the benefits of becoming a Full Member of The Challenge Hub (please see the “Membership Levels” page), the certificate for which you will be eligible and public recognition on our Roll of Honour for Silver and Gold certificate holders. Participation is free but if on completion you would like us to review your achievements and to issue an on-line certificate where applicable then we ask for a processing fee of £15 to cover our costs unless you are sponsored by an organisation registered with us.

But really it’s about having fun, establishing your boundaries and feeling good in yourself.

The Rules

You must be aged 25 to 54 at time of registration.

You must complete achievements within each of the three categories of (a) learning (b) physical activity and (c) making a social contribution.

Qualifying achievements are listed below for each of the three categories. Each are marked as attracting 1, 2, or 3 points, depending on how demanding they are.

To complete the challenge – and to become a Gold Member of The Challenge Hub – complete one task from each category which together attract (at Bronze level) 3 or 4 points, (at Silver level) 5 or 6 points and (at Gold level) 7, 8 or 9 points.

A Roll of Honour will record all those who complete The Triple Challenge at Silver or Gold level and we will highlight the names of all those who become Full Members with 8 or 9 points.

Members have 3 years from registering with The Challenge Hub in which to complete the challenge.

Please note: You will be deciding what challenges you want to set yourself to achieve The Loughborough Challenge, so by participating you agree that The Challenge Hub will not be liable for any loss or harm which you may suffer in the course of your challenge, nor as a result of any decisions which you might make. Please do consider your personal circumstances and safety before embarking on any course of action as a result of the contents of this website or actions of The Challenge Hub. Thank you.

‘My Triple Challenge’ workbook

Why not download the ‘My Triple Challenge’ workbook? This pdf document can be saved to your computer and filled out after each activity so that you can keep a record of everything you do. [Our apologies that it refers to The Loughborough Challenge which was the previous name of The Triple Challenge].


It will provide a simple way of organising your achievements so that, when it comes to telling us that you have completed your Triple Challenge, everything will be together and easier to send us. If you are doing the 3-point Social Contribution challenge, you may need to download some spare pages.

How to tell us you have completed the Challenge

Once you believe that you have achieved the required points you simply tell us that you believe that you have completed The Triple Challenge. You do this by clicking on the relevant button on the “Contact Us” page within this Members’ area (clarifying the number of points claimed – whether for Bronze, Silver or Gold – and with a brief outline description of your achievement without attachments) followed by an e-mail with all the required evidence attached and sent to admin@thechallengehub.org.

We will examine the evidence you submit and if we agree that you have completed The Triple Challenge then you will be sent a Certificate. You will also become a Full Member of The Challenge Hub and we will amend your registration details accordingly. For the benefits which that brings please go to the “Membership Levels” page. Full Membership will last for 10 years from the date of your initial registration with The Challenge Hub.


Planning your challenge

What follows is a menu for the Learning, Physical and Social Contribution challenges. The Physical challenges are divided into lots of different activities by alphabetical order. You can only do one of them and so we suggest that you open the One Point bar to see what type of activity catches your imagination. Then have a look at the Two and Three Point bars to establish the level of physical challenge which you would like to take on for that activity.

Decide whether to go for Bronze (1+1+1), Silver (at least 2+2+1 or 3+1+1) or Gold (3+3+1 or 3+2+2). Take your time to plan the structure and balance of the challenge that suits you. We are confident that with thought you will be able to build your own exciting and challenging programme.

Then why not switch across to our Learning, Be Active and Social Contribution pages on this website for loads of ideas on how to meet the challenge which you have set yourself?

Good luck. Have fun. It doesn’t matter if you don’t complete it but just have a go and see where you get to.

A. Learning

Learning is not limited to academic subjects and we wish to emphasize equal encouragement for the learning of new skills and crafts. In structuring our points-system we have attached more emphasis to the period of time over which Members are engaging with an on-going learning initiative than the intensity of their commitment over that period.

Attracting 1 Point

Attendance at a minimum of 5 lectures or learning sessions, each lasting at least 1 hour, within a period of 12 months and provided by one or more established organisations known for delivery of education or training.

“Learning” is widely defined at this 1-Point level and extends to any new skill such as tutored swimming lessons or art classes but also to a single taster session for any new sport (including, for example, yoga and pilates).

[Evidence required = Details of lectures or learning sessions attended including dates, provider and subjects covered]

Attracting 2 Points

Attending throughout any course operated by any recognised provider of any skills / craft / talent-based training where that course operates over at least 6 months.

Passing distance-learning accredited modules over at least 6 months.

Acquiring A or AS Levels, GCSEs, NVQs, diplomas or other formal qualifications acquired through a course lasting at least 6 months. [NB: If those qualifications are achieved through a process which lasts for less than 6 months then the achievement will attract 1 Point only]

[Evidence required = Proof of enrolment / evidence of attendance or learning process / Pass Certificate (for formal qualifications and distance-learning modules)]

Attracting 3 Points

Passing distance-learning accredited modules over at least one full academic year

Acquiring A or AS Levels, GCSEs, NVQs, diplomas or other formal qualifications acquired through a course lasting one academic year

[NB: If those qualifications are achieved through a process which lasts for 6 months or more but less than one academic year then the achievement will attract 2 Points only]

[Evidence required = Proof of enrolment / evidence of attendance or learning process / Pass Certificate]


B. Physical Challenge

We aim to reward people who either take on a new physical sport or activity or who radically up-grade their involvement in a particular sport or activity. We would like to avoid rewarding people who simply carry on doing what they are already doing because that is not really a challenge for them. The difficulty is to reflect that in a one-size-fits-all menu and so please try to honour the spirit of The Triple Challenge by pushing new boundaries.

Disabilities: We are aware that some physical challenges may not be accessible for people with a range of impairments or health conditions. If after exploring all possibilities (remembering that this is a challenge!) you are not able to find a physical challenge which would earn you 1 Point then please contact us in advance with (a) a brief description of the issues which you face (b) why none of the suggested physical activities are possible for you and (c) a suggested modification. You might also want to have a look under “Disability Sport” within the “Physical” page on this website for ideas. We hope you will understand that we are obliged to protect the integrity of The Triple Challenge and so we may ask for further details or make suggestions but if we are sure that no 1 Point activity is open to you then we will be extremely happy to approve a suitable alternative that enables you to gain the 1 Point physical challenge needed for you to complete and enjoy The Triple Challenge.

Safety: While you are responsible for your own safety and well-being in the course of selecting and undertaking any of the following challenges we would encourage you to be risk-aware and to take care.

These are in alphabetical order so please scroll down to see all the different categories of activity on offer. Don’t be deterred by the ones you can’t do. There’s sure to be something for you here somewhere. For example, “Charity Events” is very broad and might involve much less physical activity than many other options.

Attracting 1 Point:

Canoeing:

Canoeing (Canadian Canoe or Kayak) any river for a distance of at least 30 miles in one series of consecutive days

[Evidence required = itinerary / dates / distances covered per day / details and evidence of accommodation / clear photographic evidence of your participation].

Charity / Community Events:

Charities and communities organise a wide range of creative physical events (eg 5K/10K runs, obstacle courses, bike rides, walks etc) which simply cannot be listed here. So: In any 12-month period completing a minimum of 3 charity or community organised physical events (which may include Park Runs)

[Evidence required = named registration documents for all relevant events (or clear photographic evidence of your participation).]

Cycling:

Either:

(a) Completing an official organised Cyclo-Sportive which exceeds 30 miles OR

(b) Completing in one session of consecutive days a linear or circular cycling tour of a distance of at least 100 miles.

[Evidence required for (a) = named registration documents for the relevant Sportive including distance covered (as Sportives cover different distance categories).

Evidence required for (b) = itinerary / dates / distances covered per day / details and evidence of any accommodation / photographic evidence of your participation throughout].

Hill walking:

Climbing any two mountains in the UK, one of which must be over 600 Metres in height (1,962 ft which is the British definition of a “mountain”) while the other must be over 700 Metres in height. Each mountain must be in a different area chosen from the following menu: (a) Cheviot Hills (b) Ireland (c) Lake District (d) Peak district (e) Scotland and (f) Wales

[Evidence required = itinerary / dates / details and evidence of accommodation / photographs with you in them taken on the peaks].

Individual sports:

For any other individual sport listed in this table of National Governing Bodies – Joining a club of which you were not a member at the time of registering for The Triple Challenge having never within the previous 5 years been a member of a club for that sport (Note: The intention is that this should be engagement with a new sport or one which is resurrected from the past) and participating in sport at the club on at least 8 occasions within a 12-month period

[Evidence required = Proof of first registration at the club. Confirmation of not having been a member of a club in that sport in the preceding 5 years and details of participation in sport at the club can be self-certified but with dates]

Leisure Centres / Gyms

For at least 6 out of a period of 8 consecutive weeks s complete at least 2 out of the 4 options below:

(a) Swim a distance of 100m

(b) Walk or run on a treadmill for a distance of 1km

(c) “Cycle” on any static bike for a distance of 5km

(d) Attend one group exercise class

[Evidence required: These achievements must be verified at the relevant activity centre. A written description of the achievements including location, date, times and distances must be signed off or stamped by the activity centre – and submitted]

Pilates / Yoga:

Joining a class of which you were not a member at the time of registering for The Triple Challenge and attending 20 sessions over a period not exceeding 40 weeks

[Evidence required = documentary proof of enrolment on courses which cover at least 20 sessions within 40 weeks. Attendance can be self-certified but with dates of attendance listed].

Running (including by wheelchair):

Completing two official Half Marathons

[Evidence required = named registration documents for the relevant Half-Marathons and a named certificate of completion].

Team Sports:

For any other team sport listed in this table of National Governing Bodies – Joining a club of which you were not a match-playing member at the time of registering for The Triple Challenge and playing in at least 5 matches within a 12-month period

[Evidence required = Documentary evidence of membership of the relevant club. Details of the matches in which the applicant took part with results and outcomes. A statement self-certifying that the applicant was not a match-playing member of the relevant club before the date of registration for the Challenge].

Triathlons:

Completing 2 Super Sprint or Sprint Triathlons (400m, 10km, 2,5km / 750m, 20km, 5km).

 [Evidence required = named registration documents for each relevant triathlon and named certificates of completion].

Walking (including by wheelchair):

A linear walk anywhere in the world of at least 20 miles completed over consecutive days OR Joining the Ramblers’ Association or similar officially recognised body and participating in at least 2 excursions

[Evidence required = itinerary / dates / distances covered per day / details and evidence of accommodation / clear photographic evidence of your participation throughout].

Attracting 2 Points:

Canoeing:

Either:

  • (a) Canoeing (Canadian Canoe or Kayak) any two rivers for a distance for each of at least 50 miles and in each case in one series of consecutive days OR
  • (b) canoeing one such river for a distance of at least 50 miles plus in the Lake District, England, canoeing the length of each of Lake Windermere, Coniston Water, Ullswater, Derwent Water and Bassenthwaite Lake within one series of consecutive days

[Evidence required = itinerary / dates / distances covered per day / details and evidence of accommodation / clear photographic evidence of your participation throughout].

Charity Events:

In any 12-month period completing a minimum of six charity or community organised physical events (which may include Park Runs)

[Evidence required = named registration documents for all relevant events (or clear photographic evidence of your participation)].

Cycling:

Either:

  • (a) In any 12-month period complete official organised Cyclo-Sportives which in aggregate distance exceed 500 miles OR
  • (b) Complete within a 12-month period and in no more than two sessions linear cycling tours of an aggregate distance of at least 400 miles.

[Evidence required for (a) = named registration documents for all relevant Sportives including distance covered (as some Sportives cover different distance categories).

Evidence required for (b) = itinerary / dates / distances covered per day / details and evidence of accommodation / clear photographic evidence of your participation throughout].

Hill walking:

Either:

  • (a) successfully completing The Three Peaks Challenge or
  • (b) climbing Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, Scafell and Skiddaw in one session of no more than 4 consecutive days

[Evidence required = itinerary / dates / details and evidence of accommodation / photographs with you in them standing beside the trig point which is located on the top of each mountain and which should be clearly identifiable].

Individual sports:

For any other individual sport listed in this table of National Governing Bodies –  Joining a club of which you were not a member at the time of registering for The Triple Challenge having never within the previous 5 years been a member of a club for that sport  (Note: The intention is that this should be engagement with a new sport or one which is resurrected from the past)completing a course of at least 3 lessons from a professional coachand participating in sport at the club on at least 10 other occasions, all within a 12 month period

[Evidence required = Proof of first registration at the club / sign-off from the coach for the 3 lessons. Confirmation of not having been a member of a club in that sport in the preceding 5 years and details of participation in sport at the club can be self-certified but with dates.]

Leisure Centres / Gyms

For at least 6 out of a period of 8 consecutive weeks complete at least 3 out of the 4 options below:

(a) Swim a distance of 250m

(b) Walk or run on a treadmill for a distance of 2.5k

(c) “Cycle” on any static bike for a distance of 10k

(d) Attend one group exercise class

[Evidence required: These achievements must be formally monitored by a manager at the relevant activity centre. A written description of the achievements including location, date, times and distances must be signed off by the manager on headed notepaper of the activity centre – or stamped by the activity centre – and submitted]

Rowing:

For a club which you joined after registering for the Challenge – taking part in 4 regattas within a 12-month period

[Evidence required = Evidence of the date of first membership of the relevant rowing club and named registration documents for all relevant events]

Running (including by wheelchair):

Completing an official Marathon never having done so before registering for the Challenge

[Evidence required = named registration documents for the relevant Marathon and a named certificate of completion. A statement self-certifying that no Marathon had ever been completed by the applicant before the date of registration for the Challenge].

Sailing:

For a club which you joined after registering for the Challenge – taking part in 4 regattas

 [Evidence required = Evidence of the date of first membership of the relevant sailing club and named registration documents for all relevant events (or clear photographic evidence of participation).]

Sea Kayaking:

Going on 2 linear sea kayaking expeditions anywhere in the world, each of which involve sea kayaking for at least 4 hours per day over at least 4 consecutive days

[Evidence required = itinerary / dates / distances covered per day / details and evidence of accommodation / clear photographic evidence of your participation throughout].

Team Sports:

For any other team sport listed in this table of National Governing Bodies – Representing a club in formal matches or competitions against other clubs on at least 10 occasions, having not on more than 3 previous occasions represented that club in any matches or competitions for that sport at any time before registering for The Triple Challenge (Note: The philosophy is that we are encouraging the taking on of new challenges rather than rewarding extensions of past achievement)

[Evidence required = Documentary evidence of membership of the relevant club. Details of the matches or competitions in which the applicant took part with results and outcomes. A statement self-certifying that the applicant had never represented the club in question in any matches or competitions in the relevant sport before the date of registration for the Challenge]

Triathlons:

Complete 2 Olympic distance official triathlons having never done so before registering for the Challenge

[Evidence required = named registration documents for each relevant triathlon and named certificates of completion. A statement self-certifying that no Olympic distance official triathlon had ever been completed by the applicant before the date of registration for the Challenge].

Walking (including by wheelchair):

A linear walk(s) anywhere in the world of at least 100 miles in aggregate, completed in no more than two sets of consecutive days

[Evidence required = itinerary / dates / distances covered per day / details and evidence of accommodation / clear photographic evidence of participation throughout].

Attracting 3 Points:

The intention here is to be doing something which truly requires effort and/or planning, even from people with experience in the relevant sport. So it might be out of reach of many participants, who by reasonable effort can achieve 2-point challenges.

Canoeing:

Canoeing (Canadian Canoe or Kayak) any six rivers / canals for a distance of at least 60 miles each and in each case in one series of consecutive days

[Evidence required = itinerary / dates / distances covered per day / details and evidence of accommodation / clear photographic evidence of participation throughout].

Cycling:

Either:

  • (a) In any 12-month period complete official organised Cyclo-Sportives which in aggregate distance exceed 1,500 miles OR
  • (b) Complete within a 12-month period and in no more than two sessions a linear cycling tour of a distance of at least 874 miles (the traditional cycling distance of John O’Groats to Land’s End).

[Evidence required for (a) = named registration documents for all relevant Sportives including distance covered (as some Sportives cover different distance categories).

Evidence required for (b) = itinerary / dates / distances covered per day / details and evidence of accommodation / clear photographic evidence of your participation throughout].

Hill walking:

Completing the “Bob Graham Round” in one session of no more than 6 days.

Explanation:
In 1932 Bob Graham ran a circuit of 66 miles, 27,000ft and covering 42 peaks in the Lake District. He did that in 24 hours. The current record is 12hr 52mins (male) and 15hr 24 mins (female).

The current Lakeland 24 Hour record is 77 peaks within a 24-hour period.

Details: Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Graham_Round

Maps of the route: https://www.google.com/search?q=bob+graham+round+map&oq=Bob+Graham+&aqs=chrome.4.69i59l2j69i60j69i57j0l2.6699j0j9&sourceid=chrome

[Evidence required = itinerary / dates / distances covered per day / details and evidence of accommodation / photographs with you in them taken on the route and wherever possible with you standing beside the trig point which is located on the top of each mountain and which should be clearly identifiable].

Individual sports:

[Not applicable for 3 points]

Leisure Centres

[Not applicable for 3 points]

Rowing:

[Not applicable for 3 points]

Running (including by wheelchair):

Within a 12-month period completing 5 or more official Marathons

[Evidence required = named registration documents for each of the relevant Marathons and named certificates of completion.]

Sailing:

Taking part in either (a) one yacht race over a distance of at least 1,000 nautical miles or (b) two yacht races each of which is over a distance of at least 500 miles

[Evidence required = Full details of the race and the applicant’s participation in it / documentation in support/ clear photographic evidence of your participation throughout.]

Sea Kayaking:

Taking part in a sea kayaking expedition anywhere in the world where the end point is at least 150 miles from the start point, the distance is travelled by kayaking in one sequence of consecutive days and the sea kayak is never transported when out of the water

[Evidence required = itinerary / dates / distances covered per day / details and evidence of accommodation / clear photographic evidence of your participation throughout].

Team sports:

[Not applicable for 3 points]

Triathlons:

Complete 2 x 70.3 (Half Ironman) distance triathlons OR 1 x 140.6 (Ironman) distance triathlon

[Evidence required = named registration documents for each of the relevant triathlons and named certificates of completion.]

Walking (including by wheelchair):

A linear walk anywhere in the world of at least 150 miles completed over consecutive days

[Evidence required = itinerary / dates / distances covered per day / details and evidence of accommodation / clear photographic evidence of your participation throughout].


C. Social Contribution

This part of The Triple Challenge involves making a valuable contribution to society by working as a volunteer in an organisation which is a “Qualifying Organisation”. A Qualifying Organisation is any company which is registered as a charity in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales or which is registered in England or Wales as a Community Interest Company (“CIC”).

Any Qualifying Organisation is fine. Just mention to them that you are enquiring as part of your Challenge and then they will know the extent of your commitment.

These are the Challenges which attract 1, 2 or 3 points respectively:

Attracting 1 Point

Either:

(a) Doing two unsolicited (ie not asked for) acts of kindness on separate occasions for a person(s) who is not a member of your family or a friend. [Examples might include cutting a neighbour’s grass, shopping for someone or even donating blood]; or

(b) On at least two occasions taking part in a community initiative which is of social benefit to that community. [Examples might include litter-picking, helping at a local sports club or helping to set up or to tidy up after a community event].

[Evidence required = a description of your actions and any photos or other evidence which you are able to produce].

Attracting 2 Points

Working as a volunteer for a Qualifying Organisation for a minimum of 2 hours per week for at least 10 weeks within any single period of 30 weeks;

[Evidence required = an attendance record and a description of voluntary work performed and each signed for by a senior manager of the charity or Community Interest Company where you have been working].

Attracting 3 Points

Working as a volunteer for a Qualifying Organisation for a minimum of 2 hours per week for at least 20 weeks within any single period of 52 weeks.

[Evidence required = an attendance record and a description of voluntary work performed and each signed for by a senior manager of the charity or Community Interest Company where you have been working].

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