Ride, Stride, and Make a Difference: The Rutland Ride + Stride is Back!

Ride, Stride, and Make a Difference: The Rutland Ride + Stride is Back!

John Williams (86) being welcomed at the chapel of St John and St Anne  

Are you ready to make a difference? Do you love a challenge and the great outdoors? Do you value local heritage and history? If so, then the Rutland Ride + Stride is the perfect event for you. Organised by the Rutland Historic Churches Preservation Trust (RHCPT), this year’s event is just a few weeks away on September 13th. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist, an enthusiastic walker, or simply looking for a meaningful day out with family and friends, now is the perfect time to register and be part of something truly special.

Ride + Stride is fun for all ages

• Challenge Yourself for a Great Cause: Rutland Ride and Stride participants challenge themselves to visit as many churches as they can in one day by their chosen mode of transport. This effort raises vital funds to support the work of the Rutland Historic Churches Preservation Trust.

• Embrace Your Quirky Side: While many participants choose to walk or cycle, anyone willing to take on a quirkier personal challenge is welcomed! Feel free to ride on horseback, a pogo stick, or whatever mode of transport you fancy.

• Easy Registration: Getting involved is quick and easy. Simply visit the Rutland Ride + Stride website at https://rhcpt.co.uk/ride-and-stride/ and follow the simple instructions to register.

Why Register for Rutland Ride + Stride?

• Celebrate Local Heritage: The Rutland Ride + Stride is a journey through Rutland’s rich mix of history, culture, and beautiful countryside. By registering, you help preserve and support the distinctive historic churches and chapels of the county for future generations.

• Get Active & Healthy: Whether you choose to ride or stride, you’ll be getting your body moving and your spirits lifted. It’s the perfect excuse to put aside the screens, lace up your shoes, or dust off your bike and get outdoors.

• Support a Great Cause: The funds raised go directly to maintaining and restoring Rutland’s historic churches and chapels. Half of the monies raised by participants may be donated to their nominated church, and every penny of the rest will be used by RHCPT to help preserve Rutland’s beautiful church buildings. Why not get a team together from your village or family and raise money together? Your participation ensures these historic buildings remain central to village life and community wellbeing.

• Fun for Everyone: Rutland Ride + Stride is designed for all ages and abilities. Bring your family, friends, or come solo. Choose your route, set your own pace, and enjoy a day of fun, rural beauty, and community spirit.

• Prizes: There is a cup for the most churches visited on the day and for the most original mode of transport. Special certificates are also awarded for riders visiting 35 or more churches (15 for walkers).

How to Register

Registration is quick and easy. Simply visit the Rutland Ride + Stride website at https://rhcpt.co.uk/ride-and-stride/, fill in your details, select your preferred route, set up your personalised GoodHub fundraising page, and share the link with potential sponsors. Every bit helps protect Rutland’s heritage. You can sign up individually or as part of a team—why not rally your friends, colleagues, club, or neighbours for a bit of friendly competition?

What to Expect on the Day

Riders and Striders aim to visit as many as possible of Rutland’s 64 churches on September 13th, checking into each church on the way. Volunteers will be on hand at many churches to sign forms, offer refreshments, and provide friendly advice.

You can choose any route that suits you best:

• Family-friendly circuits: Perfect for little legs and new cyclists, these gentle routes allow everyone to participate.

• Scenic strolls: Take your time exploring Rutland’s leafy lanes, historic sites, and welcoming villages.

• Serious cycles: For those seeking a challenge, aim to visit all 64 churches, taking you to all parts of the county.

For more information and forms, check out the website at https://rhcpt.co.uk/ride-and-stride/.