A new national poll commissioned by charity London Sport reveals that people are far more likely to stick to their 2026 fitness resolutions if they commit to a fitness challenge such as a 5k or 10k.
The survey of 2,000 UK adults conducted by Opinium found:
- Nearly half (42%) of people who sign up for a fitness event stick with their resolution beyond January, compared with just 10% of those who don’t.
- 14% of all respondents say they usually break their resolutions before mid-January.
- More than a quarter (26%) say that having a challenge or event to train for keeps them motivated.
- 2 in 5 (40%) say fundraising for charity would make them more committed.
Behavioural science shows that people are more likely to maintain habits when they have structure, social accountability and a clear deadline – all of which are built into a charity fitness challenge.
London Sport – the charity helping people lead longer, healthier and happier lives through being active – is encouraging people across the capital to turn short-lived resolutions into long-term behaviour change by signing up for one of its Run for Charity places, available across 5k, 10k and longer events.
Three types of New Year resolution-makers identified
While most people start January with good intentions, the poll also found that Britons tend to fall into three distinct groups when it comes to their 2026 fitness goals:
- Inactive starters
People who currently do little or no physical activity and simply want to get moving for the first time – 20% of respondents.
- Semi-active challengers
Those who do some activity and are considering taking on their first challenge such as a 5k or 10k – 18% of respondents.
- Active adventurers
Already active individuals looking to take on something bigger – a half marathon, marathon or endurance event – 15% of respondents.
Despite their differences, all three groups reported that having a clear goal or event significantly increases their likelihood of staying active for longer.
Emily Robinson, CEO at London Sport, was the driving force behind the creation and national success of the behaviour-change campaign Dry January during her time at Alcohol Concern. She said:
“Every January, millions of people make promises to themselves, but our polling shows how quickly resolutions can slip without the right structures. Behaviour change isn’t about willpower – it’s about creating the conditions that make the desired behaviour easier and more rewarding.
“In my time leading the development of Dry January, we saw firsthand that people are far more likely to succeed when they commit to something publicly, have a clear goal, and feel part of a supportive community. The same principles apply to physical activity.
Whether you’re taking your first steps into being active, training for your first 5k, or tackling a marathon, signing up to a charity event gives you accountability, a deadline and a purpose. That combination dramatically increases your chances of sticking with your resolutions – and supporting others to be active too”.
London Sport is calling on Londoners, whatever their activity level, to turn resolutions into long-term habits by signing up to one of their Run for Charity places across 5k, 10k, half-marathon and marathon events – with every pound raised helping people in low-income communities also enjoy the benefits of physical activity. Find out more and sign up: https://runforcharity.com/london-sport
ENDS
Notes to editors
About London Sport
London Sport champions physical activity in London’s most deprived communities. We share insights, influence decision makers and allocate funding to effect change.
London Sport is a not-for-profit organisation, part of a national network. We are a strategic leader, working to remove barriers to physical activity by facilitating policy, funding and delivery.
For more information and interview opportunities contact Tanya Rabin on 07498 753 851 or [email protected]