January Challenge 2026
We completed 4500+ good deeds for charities, community organisations and isolated older people
February 02, 2026
2026 started with a bang as GoodGymers complete 4697 good deeds, and cover 57,802km as part of our January Challenge
65+ GoodGym groups contributed to making the 2026 January Challenge a success, seeing 1109 people take part in the annual event.
Every year, we challenge ourselves to complete as many good deeds, and cover as much distance as possible - the goal to start the year as we mean to go on, shake off the cobwebs of the holiday season and welcome a New Year happier, healthier and better connected.
The Golden Trowel
The Golden Trowel is a coveted GoodGym relic awarded to the area with the largest contribution to the January Challenge. GoodGym York once again broadened our horizons of what we thought possible, completing 648 good deeds, and covering 11,768km. That's 106 good deeds, and 1490km more than their total for 2025!
Congratulations to GoodGym York for their incredible contribution to good deeds, distance and fostering community spirit this January, epitomised in their weekend away to Sherwood Forest proving GoodGym can be much more than a weekly session.
Up To The Task(Force)
TaskForce are listing more sessions than ever before, and the number keeps rising. Every month new TaskForce train to help their areas thrive by finding and leading sessions, sharing their groups impact on the Reports Page and social media, and ensuring everyone that joins us feels welcome from their very first session. This January Challenge would not have been possible without the efforts of TaskForce across all 65+ areas - your contribution to helping us all achieve more in 2026 doesn't go unnoticed.
And of course, recognition to each and every GoodGymer who made it to a session, cheered for others and created the buzz that motivated us all to #DoGoodGetFit this January. 2026 is set to be on of GoodGym's biggest, in no small part because of your decision to lace up, step out the front door and get involved.
TaskForce is the beating heart of any GoodGym area. Each person can play to their strengths and interests - if you have a local connection with a charity or community organisation you'd like to help, or a passion you'd like to get more people involved with, join TaskForce and make it happen in your area. Join our next online training
Kudos
Portsmouth put up a valiant fight for the Golden Trowel, achieving 378 good deeds and covered 2556km - a huge contribution not only to the January Challenge, but local charities, community organisations and isolated older people nearby.
Kingston topped the charts for London boroughs with 271 good deeds and 3156km covered, with sterling efforts also coming from the likes of Tower Hamlets, Ealing and Greenwich.
Finally, Merton deserve a special mention for their impressive feat of 129 good deeds despite being barely over 1 year old! Merton once again showing what's possible for a young and growing area.
See the 2026 January Challenge Results