What is Race for Change?
In June 2026 we'll be dropping 20 teams in an unknown European location and challenging them to race back to the UK over 4 days with a limited budget and no phones. Thanks to the generous support of Lyrical Communications, our finish line will be the Bristan stand at the 2026 InstallerSHOW.
Our race is loosely modelled on the TV programme Race Across The World and, like the show, we want the challenge to be open to everyone - and so we are asking that at least 2 members of each team of 3 have a diverse characteristic - be that gender, ethnicity, neurodivergence, disability, sexuality. We’ll be asking teams to tell their stories and share how diverse groups work effectively together.
There will be team challenges along the way that will help educate and raise awareness around water scarcity (supported by Waterwise) and inclusivity (supported by the CIC).
Each team will be set a fundraising target of at least £2,500 with half to go to the event’s charity partner and half to their business’s corporate charity.
Race Rules
• Overview: Teams will travel in threes without flights, using only a limited budget and a world map. Teams cannot use their phones or the internet and must rely on public transport and their own resourcefulness. There is a mandatory checkpoint that must be included within the route and the first team to reach the final destination wins.
• Eligibility: Two of the three team members must have a diverse characteristic (be that gender, ethnicity, neurodivergence, disability, sexuality). All team members must hold a valid passport.
• PR & Social Media: All team members must be willing to feature on social channels to promote the initiative.
• No Flights: Contestants are forbidden from flying and must use land or sea transport such as trains, buses boats or two legs. Team members should always consider safety and must not hitch hike.
• Limited Budget: Teams will be given a set budget. If you run out of budget your team will be eliminated and it will be your responsibility to fund your remaining travel home.
• No Phones or Internet: Teams are not allowed to use their own mobile phones or access the internet for navigation or communication.
• Manual Navigation: Teams must use a physical world map to navigate between checkpoints.
• Kit List: A packing list will be provided ahead of the race. Participants will only be able to take a small under seat bag with them. We will provide storage of an additional bag for the duration of the race for a change of clothes for the final celebration dinner.
• Asking for Help: While teams can't use their own devices, they are not prohibited from asking strangers for directions or directions on a stranger's phone, though they cannot ask someone to use their phone to help them.
• Game Spirit: We recognise that it would be easy for teams to contact friends and family for assistance but we expect participants to respect the spirit of the challenge.
• Safety: A GPS device and basic mobile phone will be provided for emergencies. Team members must remain together at all times.
• Liability Waiver: Participation is at team’s own risk. A waiver form must be completed prior to the race commencing. Participants must have their own travel insurance.
Our charity event partner - the Cycle
''Guided by our mission we provide safe and sustainable WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) services and improve menstrual health conditions. These vital necessities are the building blocks to gender equality. We believe gender equality is the key to a thriving world.''
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