Zoomies Series FAQs | Cats Protection

The challenge

When should I do my 50k run?

We would encourage you to complete your challenge within the month of May 2026.

Do I have to do the distance in one go?

No. You can complete your challenge over any number of running sessions within the month of May 2026. For example, you may choose to run a shorter distance every day in May or conquer a few bigger runs to make up your 50k distance goal.

Where do I do my run?

Anywhere in the world! This challenge does not have a set location, so you can complete your running sessions local to you or at a destination of your choice. It is always worth scouting out your route in advance however to make sure there are no issues, for example private land or unsuitable surfacing.

Can I walk the distance?

Of course. It’s your challenge so you can complete the distance in a way that suits you, whether that’s running, jogging, walking, wheeling, or a combination of ways! Alternatively, if you’re interested in a dedicated walking challenge, take a look at our walking events.

How do I keep track of my distance?

There are several apps you can use to track your distance, but we recommend Strava. You can join our Strava running, walking and hiking team to meet fellow Cat Champions.

Do you have any training plans or other information about running?

Yes! We have various plans available on our online Resource Hub. Once you’ve registered for the challenge, you will find a link to the Resource Hub in your registration confirmation email.

What if I’m unable to complete the challenge?

If, for whatever reason, you’re unable to complete your Zoomies Series: Spring Challenge, please don’t worry. You can let us know if you’re no longer able to take part in the challenge by emailing us at events@cats.org.uk or calling us on 01825 741 960.

Can under 18s take part?

If you are under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must register for the Zoomies Series: Spring Challenge on your behalf and anyone under the age of 18 participating in the challenge should complete their challenge accompanied by a responsible adult agreed by their parent or guardian. Before registering, please ensure that the 50k distance of this challenge is appropriate for you or your child’s age and ability.

Can under 18s join the Team Cats Facebook group?

No, sorry. To join the Facebook group, you need to be over 18.

I am concerned about my health, what should I do?

Please do not undertake this challenge if you have any concerns about your health and wellbeing without consulting a doctor. This is a physical challenge and should not be undertaken lightly.

Why should I take on the Zoomies Series: Spring Challenge?

You’ll feel amazing inside and out as you conquer your 50k. The Zoomies Series: Spring Challenge will encourage you to tackle a new personal challenge to benefit both your physical and mental health, and all the while you’ll know that your efforts are helping to make a better life for cats.

What makes this challenge part of the ‘Zoomies Series’?

The Zoomies Series: Spring Challenge is the first of three Zoomies challenges we plan to deliver in 2026. Together, the three challenges make up the ‘Zoomies Series’. The three 2026 Zoomies Series challenges are:

Zoomies Series: Spring Challenge 
Zoomies Series: Summer Challenge 
Zoomies Series: Autumn Challenge

Further details of the Zoomies Series: Summer Challenge and Zoomies Series: Autumn Challenge will be shared in the coming months on cats.org.uk/zoomies

When will the next challenge in the Zoomies Series take place in 2026?

Information about the Zoomies Series: Autumn Challenge will be shared later in the year on cats.org.uk/zoomies

When can I sign up for the next challenges in the Zoomies Series 2026/can I sign up for all three challenges now?

It’s not possible to register for all three 2026 Zoomies Series Challenges now. The registration period for each challenge aligns with the timing of each challenge.

Further information about the next challenge in the Zoomies Series will be shared in the coming months on cats.org.uk/zoomies so be sure to a favourite this page and check back!

What are the details of the other challenges in the 2026 Zoomies Series?

At this time, details of the Zoomies Series: Summer Challenge and Zoomies Series: Autumn Challenge are not available. Further information about these challenges will be shared in the coming months on cats.org.uk/zoomies so be sure to favourite this page and check back!

Why aren’t you doing a Zoomies Series: Winter Challenge to make a complete seasonal set of challenges in 2026?

We have a busy calendar full of exciting fundraising events planned for 2026. As such, we are limited in the number of events we can deliver, which is why we’re planning to deliver three seasonal-themed Zoomies Series challenges this year and not four.

Fundraising

Why do I have to pay £20 to take part in this challenge?

Although we’re encouraging participants to fundraise through this challenge if they can, this isn’t a requirement. The £20 registration fee therefore means that just by signing up to take on our Zoomies Series: Spring Challenge, every one of our challengers is guaranteed to make a better life for cats.

Do I have to fundraise?

No, but we would be incredibly grateful if you did choose to raise additional funds for us. Your £20 registration fee will go a long way to support our work, but by getting sponsored for your challenge you could have an even greater impact on the cats that need our help.

Which fundraising platform should I use?

When you register for our Zoomies Series: Spring Challenge, we will share with you a link to JustGiving where you can set up your own challenge JustGiving page.

Can I raise money on an online platform other than JustGiving?

We’d prefer you raise the money through JustGiving but if that doesn’t work for you, we would suggest Enthuse.

How does the money from my fundraiser page get to Cats Protection?

This happens automatically, you don’t need to do anything.

Can I start fundraising before the event month?

Yes! You can create your JustGiving page or print and share your sponsorship form as soon as you’ve signed up.

I’ve got two fundraising pages, can I combine the two?

Unfortunately not, but rest assured that all the money donated on both pages will go to Cats Protection. Alternatively, you can expire one of your pages and then just keep sharing the remaining page.

Can I just raise money offline with a sponsorship form?

Yes, you can download a sponsorship form here. Once completed, please send us your sponsorship form using one of the below methods:

email a clear image of your completed sponsorship form to events@cats.org.uk Please ensure your full name and the name of the challenge, ‘Zoomies Series: Spring Challenge 2026’, are both clearly stated on your sponsorship form
post your sponsorship form to ‘Freepost Cats Protection’ and write ‘Zoomies Series: Spring Challenge 2026’ on the back of the envelope. Please ensure your full name is written on your sponsorship form

How do I get started with my fundraising?

Once you have set up your fundraising page, personalise it with your own pictures and explain why you’re taking part, then share your page on your social media channels.
You could make a personal donation to your page. This helps get the ball rolling for friends and family to donate too.
Share your progress. Keep your friends and family up to date on your training progress and let them know once you’ve completed your challenge. Some people will only donate once you’ve finished your challenge, so don’t let them forget!

How can I pay in offline donations?

Any donations received outside of your JustGiving fundraising page can be logged as an offline donation. Log in to your JustGiving fundraising page and click ‘Add an offline donation’. There are a few ways you can then pay in any offline donations to us; on our website, by cheque or over the phone.

To pay your funds in online, please visit:  cats.org.uk/zoomies-sponsorship
To pay in by cheque, please address the envelope to ‘Freepost Cats Protection’ and make the cheque payable to Cats Protection. Please write ‘Zoomies Series: Spring Challenge 2026’ on the reverse of the envelope or cheque. Please ensure your full name is written on the cheque
To pay in over the phone, please call us on 01825 741 960

If you have any questions around paying in offline donations, please contact the Events team at events@cats.org.uk or on 01825 741 960.

Can I nominate my local Cats Protection to receive my registration fee when signing up?

Yes! The first question on the event registration form will ask if you’d like your registration fee to benefit your local Cats Protection. To do so, click the check box and begin typing the name of your area into the search bar to find and select your local Cats Protection.

I forgot to nominate a local Cats Protection to receive my registration fee when signing up. What do I do?

Please get in touch with the Events team at events@cats.org.uk as soon as possible and we can arrange for your sign-up fee and any additional funds you may raise through JustGiving to go to your chosen local Cats Protection.

How can I log my distance on my fundraising page?

While you don’t have to prove the distance you’ve completed, it’s always nice to show your supporters your progress.  

You can link your JustGiving fundraising page to your Strava account so your supporters can see how you’re getting on with your challenge by following the steps outlined on the following webpage: Connecting your Fundraising Page to Strava – JustGiving Help.

Sharing screenshots from Strava or other tracking apps on your social media pages is another great way of keeping your supporters up to date with your progress. 

Medals and neck buffs

Do I need to send evidence of my run to get my medal?

No. Your medal will be sent to you once you’ve registered for the challenge so it’s ready and waiting for you to pop it on as soon as you’ve completed your 50k for cats.

How long will my medal and/or neck buff take to arrive?

It can take up to 14 days from the date of registration for your items to arrive, but we will get it to you as soon as possible. 

My medal and/or neck buff hasn’t arrived yet.

If your items haven’t arrived within 14 days of signing up, please contact the Events team at events@cats.org.uk or call 01825 741 960.

How much does it cost to purchase a neck buff?

Neck buffs cost £12 on top of the £20 registration fee. The £20 registration fee includes your challenge medal. Please note that due to new EU and Northern Ireland regulations, we are unable to send neck buffs to countries in the EU or Northern Ireland. Please get in touch at events@cats.org.uk or call 01825 741 960 with any queries.

My medal and/or neck buff has arrived damaged. What do I do?

If you find there is an issue with any of your pack items on arrival, please contact the Events team at events@cats.org.uk and include a picture showing the fault, or call 01825 741 960. 

Can I opt out of receiving a medal when I sign up?

If you don’t wish to receive a medal, please contact the Events team at events@cats.org.uk or call 01825 741 960 before registering for the challenge.

Is the neck buff available in different sizes and colours?

The buff is unisex and comes in one size (adult) and one colour (purple).

Can I exchange or return my medal and/or buff purchased for a refund?

Returns and exchanges are only available in instances where faulty items have been received.

Can I get a T-shirt to wear for my run?

While we don’t have Zoomies Series challenge T-shirts available to purchase, you can buy Cats Protection apparel including T-shirts on the Cats Protection Teemill website to sport while you run.

About Cats Protection

What does Cats Protection do?

At Cats Protection we stand up for every cat. At the forefront of research on cat welfare we use our decades of experience to help all cats and support owners to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our campaigns change laws to give cats more protection and we continue to call for a better deal for cats. In every corner of the country our passionate volunteers, employees and supporters are using their kindness and expertise to make life better for millions of cats and the people who care for them. Find out more about our work.

How do I get in touch with Cats Protection?

If you have any comments, questions or queries, please contact our Events team at events@cats.org.uk or call 01825 741 960.