On the first day of advent, runABC brings to you... news that Great Run's December Accumulator Challenge is back once again. Yes, the festive challenge is returning this December and so that means you have between now (1 December) and 15 December to ramp up the miles and complete the 12 runs of Christmas (or more if you really want to).

Organisers say: "Go dashing through the snow for any distance this December. Just make sure you do at least 12 runs (or walks) by 25 December to smash our seasonal challenge. You’ll receive your very own Christmassy medal-meets-tree decoration as a lasting memento of all the miles you’ve covered. It’ll arrive before Christmas, so you can wear it with pride before hanging it on your tree."

There is also the optional accumulator distance award for those who fancy an extra challenge. For those interested this means there are three optional distances to aim for - a 'tree-mendous effort' for 30 miles, you'll be 'sleighing it' for 60 miles and if you make it to 100 miles it will be 'snow laughing matter'! Depending how far you travel over your 12 (or more) runs/walks, Great Run will award you a special digital finisher’s certificate to download and share.

There are some great tools to keep you motivated throughout the challenge including an Advent tracker that can be downloaded with a list of tasks that you can complete across the month. If you prefer you can use your own tracking device or app to log the distances. Organisers explain: "Once you’ve completed all of your runs and reached your target distance, simply submit your results and we’ll have your digital finisher’s certificate with you before you can do your best Noddy Holder “It’s Chriiiiiiiistmas!” impression!"

If you'd like to know more, visit the December Accumulator Challenge page on the Great Run website.

Image: Great Run