With the new year in full swing, HIPTHER Movement is kicking off its 2026 season with a fresh twist on its community-powered running challenges. From January 26 to April 5, the HIPTHER Movement: Anti-Quit Running Challenge will push runners to stay active and consistent well past the typical drop-off period in February.
Why This Challenge Matters
Every year, millions of runners lace up in January, but by early February, many resolutions fade. According to global fitness statistics, over 70% of runners abandon their goals before spring.
HIPTHER is taking a different approach — by creating a challenge designed specifically for this dropout window, promoting long-term consistency and fun competition in a supportive, global community.
A Two-Tier Challenge to Make It Fair and Fun
To make things even more exciting and inclusive, the 2026 running challenge introduces two separate leaderboards:
1. Tier 1 – “The Titans”
This is where the top 10 runners from previous editions will battle it out. These are the athletes who consistently top the weekly charts and push the boundaries of mileage. It’s a high-stakes leaderboard for elite-level fun and endurance.
2. Tier 2 – “The Momentum Makers”
The rest of the community – from weekend joggers to returning runners – will compete in their own leaderboard. This tier is about building momentum, staying motivated, and celebrating personal bests – no matter the distance.
“We’ve seen the same five to ten names dominate the top spots, which is amazing – but we wanted to give everyone else a space to thrive, especially newer members or those coming back from injury or burnout,” says Zoltan Tundik, Co-Founder of HIPTHER.
Challenge Period: January 26 – April 5, 2026
Participants can log their runs via Strava and automatically appear in the weekly leaderboard updates published across HIPTHER’s channels.
How to Join
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Already a member of the HIPTHER Run Club on Strava? You’re automatically enrolled.
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Not yet in the club? Join here – it’s free and open to all.
Weekly Highlights, Spotlights & Prizes
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Weekly shout-outs for standout performances
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Surprise giveaways for participation, not just podiums
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Social media badges & stickers for personal sharing
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Featured runners in the HIPTHER Talks Podcast and newsletters
No Dropouts This Time
The mission? To create a habit, not a spike. Runners who complete at least 8 weeks of the challenge will receive a virtual certificate and earn a chance to be featured in HIPTHER’s growing digital health and wellness community.
Don’t Worry, Cyclists: Your Time Comes This Summer
While this first 2026 challenge focuses on running, the HIPTHER Summer Ride-Off Challenge will return in June 2026, covering both road cycling and indoor sessions.
Final Word
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just getting back into running, this is your chance to be part of something bigger. The HIPTHER Movement isn’t just about leaderboards – it’s about consistency, community, and crushing that February slump.
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Let’s start strong — and stay strong. See you on the leaderboard!
