Action Challenge - London

Jerry F. R.

I regretfully have to advise that the Alzheimer's Society and Action Challenge have removed my place to the Thame Bridges Trek (25 km) on 14 September, while all I wanted was to raise awareness and donations, in loving memory of my great grandmother and grandparents who got affected.

I did enter the event through the charity, pledging to raise £240.
Unfortunately, due to a rigid rule from the organiser "Action Challenge" according to which you need to raise 50% of the requested donation amount 3 weeks before the event date (literally during the summer vacation), the Alzheimer’s Society has asked the organiser to remove my place.

I did appeal to the charity, as advised by Action Challenge, who would have been happy to reinstate my place if the charity was happy to cover for the cost (whatever the cost and despite £86 raised so far), and sent them an email advising so.

Unfortunately, despite raising £470 less than a year ago (close to 200% the amount requested) towards the the Alzheimer Society when I took part to the Oxford 1/2 Marathon, and although I was assured by Action Challenge that this was in the Alzheimer's Society power, the charity has opted not to request the reinstatement of my place.

I feel bitter, disappointed and frustrated not to be able to take part.

I have asked the charity to refund all donations including mine, since I would rather give the money to a charity that appreciates your effort and that you are taking part to a challenge with your unconditional heart, rather than having to abide to rules that make me feel like I am requested to reach a business target!

I will also make sure to avoid supporting a charity that involves Action Challenge, as they are making my charitable activities a real challenge!...

Matthew R.

Good cause but feels a bit like booking an easy jet flight, looks cheap but the add ons and extras which are 100% needed start adding up very quickly. Will organise my own route next time, will save myself a bit of money.

Lee H.

Completed the London to Brighton the weekend. I have completed several marathons and ultra and the Action Challenge is the most well organised and supported run I have done.

The aid stations are very well equipped and the volume and quality of the food is fantastic. With all events this event is similar with the volunteer staff providing good cheer.

Michael H.

I have done lots of the UK (Ultra Challenge) and 2 International events (EBC and Kili) Action Challenge run and I have always found them to be very helpful (over the phone or on email) when I have had a issue or needed clarification from rearranging events before hand during the Pandemic or because of injury. I find Action Challenge is with us every step of the way on event day if we need support by the medical, trekmaster, site teams or control room if we get lost. Having done the UK events, I was not worried about the international events due to robust plans being in place to support travel, altitude and medical problems. The leader's goal is everyone has a Safe, Happy and Successful expedition. The local crews Action Challenge work with are brilliant. I have found Action Challenge to be fair when it comes to the cost of living and giving participants the opportunity to see the UK and world. I would highly recommend Action Challenge; these events have changed my life.

NcA

Dan from Action Challenge is just amazing - I have been receiving excellent, kind, efficient and personalist assistance from him in the last year on the challenges.
All staff and the events are just fabulous - do give them a go.
Thank you

Aly H.

I did a LOT of research before I committed to go with Action challenge and I can say that I was not disappointed. There are lots of things to consider and lots that potentially could go wrong that you consider when choosing who to book with, despite this we were really pleased! Joe our guide was amazing, the telephone team were great and Caroline the medic did a great job keeping us all in check. I would 100% recommend and hope to book again in future. It is well worth the money and they really do a great job a guiding you from start to finish. We did the Mt. Kilimanjaro challenge in October 2019. Joe even arranged birthday cakes for 4 people in the group - brilliant!

Adam N.

Event was organised well however ...

In May, I contacted them to explain my shirt had not arrived. They replied the same day, asked me to complete a form (for the third time) and explained it would be posted the next week.

The day before my event, I emailed to explain it had still not arrived and to ask whether we could find a solution at the event - No reply ... To this day!

At the event a helpful lady explained that if I bought one they'd arrange a refund. Now, this seems odd. You know I purchased a product, I can evidence that you are aware it has not been received, have many freely available but ... Want me to buy more before refunding? I was sceptical after the previous non responsive attitude but went ahead anyway.

When my refund was not received, I got in touch again and received no reply ... Until I got in touch again from one of my Insta accounts (9k+). Within an hour I had a phone number. Wonder what prompted that sudden change in attitude.

I have since rang twice, received no reply, not received any reply to my previous two attempts to contact them and am £40 down on merchandise I should not have had to purchase.

Also worth pointing out, 4 out of 6 team members did not and have not received their merch either! And when I mentioned it on the weekend ... I came across others with the same story from that event and others.

These events are a big deal for a lot of people. An opportunity to do something special and this just leaves a sour taste!!

Luci A.

Just wanted to shout out Dan from Action challenge- I had a bit of an issue regarding my place on the IOW and he went above and beyond to help me! People like him are absolute stars ⭐️