The child development charity Compassion UK is looking for participants to take on one the toughest fitness and endurance tests for 2017.

The Alliance member announced this week that in May a team will be travelling to Rwanda to run, cycle or trek through tough conditions to raise money for the charity's work and visit some of the life-changing projects. 

Could you join them for this year's Muskathlon?

Darren Allwright, challenge events manager for Compassion UK, said: "At the start of the year we all set ourselves health goals, and this particular Rwanda challenge gives people of varying fitness levels the opportunity to not only have a defined goal to work towards, but also support some of the poorest and most vulnerable children on the planet in the process."

Research shows that 66 per cent of those who break their new year's resolutions have already given up by February, so this challenge is the perfect way to get your health targets back on track. 

Whether you choose to tackle the half marathon, full marathon, ultra-marathon, cycle 120km on a mountain bike or trek 60km, you will travel through some of Africa's most stunning environments. 

But a healthier you is not all you'll achieve. 

As part of the challenge, participants are encouraged to sign up 10 new sponsors for individual children who Compassion UK support in the communities in developing countries, such as Rwanda. 

Those taking part will also have the opportunity to meet the child that they personally sponsor and any money raised will go to support pregnant mothers and new born babies through Compassion's Child Survival Programme in Rwanda, which participants will also visit on the trip.

Mr Allwright said: "Clearly, the ultimate goal for us is to see more children sponsored and released from poverty. When folks meet their sponsored child in person, it takes that real connection to a whole other level. 

"Yes, it's an amazing trip and a great physical challenge, but even better it has the potential to transform lives and give hope for the future."

The trip will take place on the 12 - 19 May 2017.

For more information and to book your place please visit www.compassionuk.org/challenges.


As a member of the Evangelical Alliance, Compassion UK is one of 600 organisations supported by the Alliance. We facilitate members' initiatives and campaigns and offer support to increase their impact. Member organisations have an opportunity to speak to the media on behalf of our membership, as we direct media and information enquiries to member organisations best placed to deal with them. The Alliance also provides training for organisations on how to engage with the local government and media. 

If you would like your organisation to become a member of the Evangelical Alliance, you can find out more here.