Information for Participants
Event Overview
Date: Saturday 13th September 2025
Time: 10 am - 6pm
Rutland has 64 churches, much loved features of our villages and towns. Those who worship in them are a fraction of those who visit or gaze happily at them as they pass by. Our church buildings need to be preserved and your help is very much appreciated.
Ride and Stride participants challenge themselves to visit as many churches as they can in one day by their chosen mode of transport and at the same time raise money to support the work of the Rutland Historic Churches Preservation Trust. Whilst many of our participants choose to walk or cycle we welcome anyone who is willing to take on a quirkier personal challenge. Horse riders are welcome and there’s a prize for the most original mode of transport.
Half of participants’ monies raised may be donated to their nominated church (if any) and every penny of the rest will be used by RHCPT to help preserve our lovely church buildings. Why not get a team together from your village or family and raise money together?
To participate you need to:
- Get two forms from your church organiser, one for sponsorship and one to record churches visited, or print your own (link to form to follow)
- This year we are using a new fundraising platform Goodhub. It’s easy to register with Goodhub who will record your fundraising and claim gift aid (if applicable) Simply go to (link to follow) and click on ‘fundraise’ (if you are a seeking sponsorship) or ‘donate’ if you just want to give a one off contribution.
Click the link to download:
After the event, please collect your sponsorship money (unless your sponsors are using GoodHub) and hand it to the church organiser of your nominated church. Cheques should be made payable please to Rutland Historic Churches Preservation Trust.
What's in it for me?
- A fun day out visiting some very special church buildings in Rutland
- Special Certificates for riders if you visit 35 or more Churches (15 for walkers)
- Cup for the most Rutland churches visited on the day
Who can take part and be sponsored? Individuals, families, groups or teams
- Church Recorders
- Cyclists. (Electric bikes are certainly welcome but no cups or certificates)
- Walkers, runners and joggers
- Not so Mobile participants
- Horse riders
Ride+Stride for the 'Not so Mobile'
Why should those folks who are not so mobile not be able to take part in Ride + Stride? Since 2013 you have been able to use cars and minibuses (and such like) to be driven to churches in Rutland. All you have to do is walk the short distance up the church path, or use a wheelchair, to sign in at churches you visit.
The use of cars is NOT for those who are normally capable of cycling, running or walking. We intend this category to be for those who are elderly or disabled.
We also anticipate that you will not be able to drive yourself but will be driven by relatives, friends, care home staff, volunteers, etc. The driver should be able to assist you and will wait for you while you sign in before taking you to the next church.
After the event:
please collect your sponsorship money by October 12th (unless your sponsors are using GoodHub) and hand it to the church organiser of your nominated church. Cheques should be made payable please to Rutland Historic Churches Preservation Trust.
Or pay online direct to our bank account:
Account number 00779539
Sort code 20-63-66
Timescales
You will have from 10.00 am until 6.00 pm on the day to get to as many churches as you would like - or can manage!
At the last count, there were 64 places of worship in Rutland but you can also include those in adjoining counties as well.
There will be recorders to check you in at most churches/chapels and most will have refreshments on offer too!
Plan Your Route
There are two ways to plan your route; by using our Route Planner spreadsheet or by using Google Maps. See our Plan your route page for more details.
Get Sponsored!
You can obtain sponsorship online or in person. See our Sponsorship & Gift Aid page for more details.
Below are some ideas for potential sponsors:
- Friends and family. E-mail your friends, having registered as a sponsor
- Colleagues at work or from your leisure pursuits
- Local supporters of the Church building. The funds raised are for the building, not for a religious event. Most people expect the Church to be there when they need it!
- Local businesses, perhaps where you are a customer
- Your employer - some employers will have a charitable giving 'pot of funds' and may even match the amount you raise on a £ for £ basis
You can find lots more information about how to get sponsorship on our Tips for Fundraising page.
For those that want to setup a Just Giving webpage, which links through to the RHCPT campaign, visit Rutland Ride & Stride Just Giving page and once there, click on 'Start Fundraising'. The same link can be used for personal donations - click 'Give now' once on the page.
What’s in it for me?
- A fun day out visiting some very special church buildings in Rutland
- Special Certificates for riders if you visit 35 or more Churches (15 for walkers)
- Cup for the most Rutland churches visited on the day
- Police advise all cyclists to ride in single file and not in large groups.
- Study the cycling section of the Highway Code before the event.
- Ensure that your bicycle is roadworthy.
- Plan your route in advance to avoid/minimise busy roads. Always turn left rather than right if possible!
Require more information? Contact: Sue Thomas (Rutland Ride and Stride Deputy Organiser) on 07885 046449 or suethomas410@gmail.com
Safety - Important - Please Read!
It is a condition of entry that, save to the extent required by law, the trustees of the Rutland Historic Churches Preservation Trust accept no liability in respect of death or injury sustained by any participant in this sponsored event.
Please observe the following guidelines for a safe and enjoyable day: