Since 2013, we’ve compiled a report of the most successful charity-owned mass participation events. Which charities have made this year’s Top 25? And what insights will help shape your event portfolio for 2026?
This year’s edition shows a sector in good health but in transition: 16 of the 25 events grew their income, four held steady, and five saw income fall. While the top five events were unchanged for another year.
Encouragingly, four of the five biggest events saw their average fundraising per participant rise, suggesting the challenge facing established events lies in recruitment rather than supporter generosity.
One of the clearest success stories was long-distance walking. Walking events now account for 35% of all income across the Massive Top 25, and long-distance walks in particular have surged.
Alzheimer’s Society’s Trek26 grew income by 41% — one of the three fastest growing events in the list — while Macmillan’s Mighty Hikes grew by 30% and Cancer Research UK’s Big Hike by 35%. With further growth for The Banham Marsden March and strong virtual walking performances, walking has emerged as one of the most dynamic categories in events fundraising.
The report also highlights a wave of renewal, with six new entries — more than in any year outside the pandemic — and the return of RBC Race for the Kids, which last featured in 2019.
The fastest growing events were:
The Great Tommy Sleepout +69%
RBC Race for the Kids +42%
Trek 26 +41%