FAQ's
Can I split the runs. i.e. On day 20 can I do 10km in the morning and then 10km in the evening around work?
Yes you can. Most people do.
I only heard about the challenge after the month started. Can I join late?
No. The 496 Challenge must start on the first day of the month. If you miss the start, you will need to wait until the next 31-day month to take part.
Can I do it on a treadmill?
Yes you can but I urge you to try and do this outdoors as the exploration element of it is very rewarding.
Can I walk it instead of run it?
Yes you can as long as you complete is on foot.
How do I get on the official list of finishers?
Fill out the form below
Does it have to be running?
No, there is an open category.
How do I prove I completed the challenge?
You should track your runs using a GPS watch or tracking app such as Strava, Garmin, or similar. These can be used as proof of completion.
Do I have to start it on the 1st of the month?
Yes. It gives structure to the challenge and allows you to run virtually alongside other people.
What if I miss a day, can I make up for it on the other days?
No, This is a challenge that required you to do something each day. If you have a busy schedule then do the planned tombola version.
Are there other variations of the challenge?
Yes, there are now 4 variations but the most popular is The Classic
1: The Classic (Starting with 1km, ending with 31km)
2: The Tombola (Put 1 to 31 in a hat and draw at random)
3: The Planned Tombola (Where you do 1-31 randomly but you plan the days around your schedule)
4: The Pyramid (Run odd numbers up to 31 and then even numbers back to 2)
Can I just run 16km per day for 31 days which is 496km
No, this is not in the spirit of the 496. The whole idea is that it's incremental (classic) or the uncertainty (tombola) that makes the 496 the challenge that it is.
Can I run extra distance on one day to cover another day?
No. Each day must be completed on that specific day.
On the shorter days, like 1km. Am I allowed to run further for fun.
Yes, but an extra mileage on top of the mileage for that day doesn't count towards the 496
What happens if I miss a day or two?
If you miss a checkpoint in an ultra, your race is over. So if you miss a day in the 496, the challenge is over. The structure relies on daily consistency and cannot be caught up later.
What if I get injured during the challenge?
If you are unable to complete the required distance on any day, unfortunately the challenge ends for that attempt. Your health always comes first.
Is this challenge suitable for beginners?
No. This is a demanding endurance challenge. It is best suited to runners who already have a solid running base and can comfortably run 15–20 km in a single run.
Can I do the challenge in other months with 31 days?
Yes, any month of the year that has 31 days.