The British Science Association's Run... races

From 2017 - 2019 we produced a themed race for each British Science Week: Run the Solar System, Run to the Deep and Run with the Ancestors. Thousands of you downloaded the races and put yourself through the paces, (figuratively) running to space, past the deepest ocean depths and back in time. 

We're delighted to announce the races are back online, hosted within the popular Zombies, Run! app. 

Thank you to everyone who has completed one of our races. If you would like to make a donation to support our work, please click the button below:

Run the Solar System - online now!

Run the Solar System is a 10k 'virtual race' which involves journeying across the Solar System from the Sun to Neptune in just 10 kilometres, accompanied by music and audio commentary from science broadcaster Dallas Campbell.

Scale the Solar System in an app like no other

As you run, the app will play any music you've selected and audio clips according to your distance covered. There's no need to check your phone during the run - the audio will let you know when to start and stop.

What runners said about the race:

“It’s a brilliantly simple idea. You start at the Sun, and the race takes you outwards through the solar system, passing the planets at appropriate distances as you go.”

“I finally did #runthesolarsystem and it was AMAZING! Thanks @BritSciAssoc and @dallascampbell”

“Boyfriend has the answer: it must've been the gravity assist at Jupiter that gave me a faster time…”

"Even if you never think about planets or science or whether we’re alone in the universe, I highly recommend giving the app a try. If nothing else, it will give you a bit of context next time a robot parachutes down on to the surface of another planet. And I really hope that this sort of thing becomes more common in the running world. The freedom and the fun of running are awesome already, but using our legs to take us on adventures of the mind as well as the body might just be my new favourite thing." - Helen Czerski, The Guardian

Run to the Deep - online now! 

Run to the Deep is our second 10k ‘virtual race’ which involves journeying from the sea surface to the bottom of the ocean– accompanied by music and audio commentary from explorer Pierre-Yves Cousteau, son of the famous marine conservationist Jacques-Yves Cousteau.

Discover mysterious creatures, amazing seascapes, and explore alien environments as you run down to the depths of the ocean. Travel from the sea surface to the Marianas Trench – the deepest known part of the ocean – and find out about all the alien creatures, amazing seascapes, and human exploration stories you may find on your way. 

Run with the Ancestors - going online March 2020

The app tracks you via GPS as you run and transports you back in time to 1 million years ago where, through a thrilling narration, you’ll hear the story of our ancestors as they arrived, lived and managed to thrive in Britain, right up until the present day.

This race transforms your run into an educational and exciting journey by throwing you into the heart of the human story. This race is available in a 5k distance, as well as the usual 10k, perfect for families, schools and those who prefer shorter runs.