What is Ride and Stride?

A great day out discovering England's churches

Ride and Stride - the foremost annual fun fund-raising event to help preserve churches and chapels and keep them active in our communities.

Date for your diary - Ride and Stride 2025 will be held on Saturday 13th September

History

Ride and Stride was ‘born’ in Suffolk in 1982 as a sponsored cycle ride or walk and is held annually, in virtually every county in England. It is the main fund-raising event for the county churches trusts. It is now a sponsored event for cyclists, joggers, walkers and horse riders. Any mode of transport can be used as long as sponsors are happy; a couple of people have used vintage cars!

Ride and Stride is a countrywide event always held on the second Saturday in September.

Where does the money go?

In Northamptonshire, 50% of the money raised and any Gift Aid is retained by the Northamptonshire Historic Churches Trust and a cheque for 50% of the money raised is sent to the church chosen by each of the participants. The money raised, along with other funds, is used to give grants for preserving, restoring and improving churches, chapels and meeting houses in Northamptonshire whether they are historic or not.

Downloads

Do download the poster if you would like advance publicity....

Download the 2025 Register here.

Download the 2025 Sponsor form here. To print, select "Print both sides"

Download the Payment Slip here.

Download Advice to Participants here.

What happens?

Some participants challenge themselves to visit as many churches as they can by their chosen mode of transport. Others prefer a more leisurely approach, visiting fewer churches and taking more time at each. There is no age limit - it is a great family activity - and you plan your own route. Churches are usually open from 10.00am to 6.00pm although there are some that close earlier.