YMCA East Surrey
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Challenge Event Training

Join our free training cycle rides, walks and runs!

If you are signed up for one of our challenge events, we encourage you to take advantage of our free training. Not only will it ensure you are fully prepared for your challenge, but it will allow you to meet fellow challengers and the rest of the team. We always advise you to do as much as you can in addition to our training programme – the more you do, the more you will enjoy your experience!

Even if you’re not taking part in one of our events, we’d love you to join us for a group cycle, run or walk to explore the local area. Everyone is welcome!

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Group walks / runs

Join us for our free group walks – perfect for those taking part in our walking challenges or if you just fancy getting fit with a friendly group. All abilities welcome.

YMCA Group Trail Runs | Sunday 1 February 2026
08:45 for 09:00 start
Meet at YMCA East Surrey, Princes Road, Redhill RH1 6JJ

Join us for a choice of two group runs running mostly on trails starting and finishing at the YMCA. All are welcome – come and meet other runners while knowing the route is taken care of by experienced Run Leaders. We will offer a choice of routes of between approx. 6 – 13 miles which you can choose from on the day.

Book trail runs | Sunday 1 February

Sunday walks (monthly January – June) | 08:30
Sunday walks start at 09:00 prompt with tea and coffee available from 08:30.
Walks are suitable for all abilities with a circular route starting and finishing at the YMCA, Princes Road, Redhill, RH1 6JJ.

  • Sunday 15 February
  • Sunday 8 March
  • Sunday 12 April
  • Sunday 10 May
  • Sunday 7 June

Book Sunday training walks

Wednesday evenings (weekly from 1 April – 10 June) | 18:00
Colley Hill circuits and mini hikes over North Downs
Meet at top of Pilgrims Way, Reigate

Please note training dates are subject to change.

For more information, please email challenge@ymcaeastsurrey.org.uk.

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Group cycle rides

Join our free group cycle rides to prepare for our cycling challenges or if you just fancy getting out on your bike with a friendly group. All abilities welcome.

All rides are carried out at participants’ own risk. Cyclists must wear a helmet and bring a drink. Please be aware that rides are on public roads so road or hybrid bikes are most suitable.

Sunday cycle rides (monthly January – June) | 08:30
Sunday rides start at 09:00 prompt with tea and coffee available from 08:30.
There will usually be a choice of three rides of different lengths (depending on the number of leaders available) tailored to build mileage to prepare for our cycling challenges. Rides are suitable for all abilities with a circular route starting and finishing at the YMCA, Princes Road, Redhill, RH1 6JJ.

  • Sunday 25 January (20/35/50 mile options)
  • Sunday 22 February
  • Sunday 15 March
  • Sunday 19 April
  • Sunday 17 May
  • Sunday 14 June

Book Sunday training rides

Tuesdays (weekly 7 April – 1 September 2026) | 18:00
Choice of 2 rides (starting 10-15 or 15-30 miles, increasing as evenings get lighter)
Circular route starting and finishing at the YMCA, Princes Road, Redhill, RH1 6JJ

Monday Box Hill reps (weekly from March – June) | 18:00
Join us for reps of Box Hill to get hill fit for our challenge cycle rides!
Every Monday evening at 18:00. Meet at top of Box Hill in the Car Park.

For more information, please email challenge@ymcaeastsurrey.org.uk.

Please note training dates are subject to change.

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Walking route downloads

Alison Steel, one of our challenge event leaders, has kindly pulled together a few local walks that you may like to do in your own time. Many of these start and finish at the YMCA in Earlswood, Redhill. You can also download the gpx file for each route by clicking on the walk directions below.

Be Cycle Safe - tips on cycling safely

  • Use clear hand signals
  • Make eye contact with other road users
  • Wear bright clothing
  • Cycle well away from the gutter and a door’s width from parked cars
  • Stay well back from large vehicles
  • Don’t weave but stay on a predictable straight course
  • Use lights when visibility is poor
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  • Obey the Highway Code
  • Avoid riding two abreast on busy roads, on bends and never ride three abreast
  • Use group etiquette by pointing out hazards using hand and verbal warnings
  • Don’t zip ahead of the leader or drop behind the back marker
  • If you are stopping, make sure you give warning to other riders to say that you are stopping and do not immediately stop. Find a sensible place to stop, not on corners, where you can be seen and cars can easily pass you.
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  • Be alert
  • Don’t use mobile phones or earpieces
  • Wear a cycle helmet
  • Wear gloves and carry a waterproof
  • Make sure you have enough water; and food in case your energy levels drop
  • Carry all you need for puncture repairs for your bike
  • Set up In Case of Emergency (ICE) details on your mobile
  • Carry identification
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YMCA Fitness Centre

If you really want to improve your fitness, check out our fully inclusive, modern, air-conditioned gym, which is full of cardiovascular and resistance machines to give you all-round fitness. In addition, our fully qualified gym team will be on hand to provide you with a bespoke fitness programme to complement your chosen challenge.

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Useful links

Redhill Cycling Club have a range of rides taking place on Saturday mornings for all abilities.

Reigate Priory Athletic Club offer a range of training sessions for everyone. Other local running clubs include Earlswood Running Club and Reigate Ladies Joggers.

Team Cake organise regular social cycle rides.

Surrey Cycleway – Surrey County Council has lots of useful information on local cycling routes.

Find out more

For more information, please contact the Challenge Events fundraising team.

T 01737 779979
E challenge@ymcaeastsurrey.org.uk