6 Nations Plus Challenge 2026
A one-day charity challenge in aid of Maggie’s
Loch Lomond • The Kelpies • One-day challenge

Paddle, climb & celebrate — all in a single day

Teams from across the UK foodservice and commercial catering community completing all three elements in one big day — Loch Lomond, local hills and The Kelpies — in support of Maggie’s.

Late May 2026 • Date TBC Up to 20 teams • 4 people per team One-day circular challenge with staggered starts
Register your interest See how the day works
Open to suppliers, consultants, distributors, designers, operators and friends of the industry.
Planning in progress. Full details and confirmed date to follow.
The challenge

What is the 6 Nations Plus Challenge?

A full-on, but achievable, one-day team challenge that mixes water, hills and a unique climb inside The Kelpies — with plenty of teamwork and good humour along the way. Teams will start at different venues and rotate, so all three elements run in overlapping waves.

Stage 1 • Loch Lomond

Paddle on the loch

Teams paddle canoes or kayaks on Loch Lomond under supervision from qualified guides, working together to complete a set course within their time window.

Stage 2 • Local hills

Guided hill challenge

A timed, guided hill route in the Arrochar / Loch Lomond area. Mixed ability friendly, with experienced walk leaders and clear turn-around times to keep everyone safe.

Stage 3 • The Kelpies

Climb inside The Kelpies

Finish your loop with a unique climbing experience inside one of The Kelpies, followed by a debrief, photos and awards to celebrate everyone’s efforts for Maggie’s.

At a glance

Key numbers for 2026

Designed to be challenging but inclusive, and to maximise fundraising while keeping costs sensible for teams and sponsors.

Teams
Up to 20
4 people per team • mixed abilities welcome
Fundraising target
£20,000+
Based on £250 per person minimum sponsorship
Challenge duration
One big day
All three stages completed within a single day
Industry focus
Foodservice
Suppliers, consultants, distributors & operators
The day

How the one-day format works

To keep things moving and make the most of daylight, teams will start at different venues and rotate between the three stages. That means paddling, hills and Kelpies climbs are all happening in overlapping waves throughout the day.

Typical day (example)

  • 08:00–09:00
    Check-in & safety briefings
    Teams arrive at their allocated starting venue (Loch Lomond, hill route or The Kelpies) for registration, kit checks and safety briefings.
  • 09:00–13:00
    Stage 1 for each team
    First stage window: some teams on the water, some on the hill, some at The Kelpies — all running in controlled, timed waves.
  • 13:00–17:00
    Stage 2 rotations
    Teams transfer to their second venue, with transport and timings built in so nobody is rushed and safety briefings can be repeated as needed.
  • 17:00–20:00
    Final stage & finish
    Teams complete their third and final stage, with a shared finish window, food and awards once everyone is safely off the hill / water and out of The Kelpies.

Safety & logistics

Safety is at the heart of the planning. The overlapping format is designed so that each venue runs at a manageable capacity, with professional cover in place and realistic transfer times.

  • Experienced water-sports provider for Loch Lomond paddling.
  • Qualified walk leaders for the hill route.
  • Clearly defined cut-off times and contingencies for weather.
  • Planned transport between venues built into team schedules.
Teams

Who can enter a team?

We’re keen to bring together people from across the foodservice, hospitality and commercial catering equipment world — plus friends of the industry.

Ideal team make-up

Each team will have 4 people. Mixed abilities are absolutely fine — this is about teamwork and determination, not elite fitness, and the one-day format lets people focus on one stage at a time.

  • At least one reasonably fit walker for the hill route.
  • Everyone comfortable in and around water (lifejackets provided).
  • Happy to raise sponsorship and shout about the event.

Fundraising expectations

To maximise impact for Maggie’s while keeping things achievable, we’re suggesting:

  • £250 minimum sponsorship per person.
  • Company-matched funding where possible.
  • Simple, transparent costings so sponsors see where money goes.

Full fundraising packs and JustGiving links will be shared with confirmed teams.

Register

Register your interest

We’re in the detailed planning stage for the one-day format. Register your interest below and we’ll come back to you with confirmed dates, costs and fundraising details as the plan firms up.

This isn’t a commitment – it just helps us gauge numbers and shape the event properly. Once you hit “Submit interest” you’ll see a confirmation screen and receive an email acknowledgement from our team.

By submitting this form you consent to being contacted about the 6 Nations Plus Challenge. We won’t share your details outside the organising team and Maggie’s.

Partners

Industry & supplier support

We’re actively speaking to manufacturers, distributors, consultants, designers and service partners who’d like to support the challenge through sponsorship, logistics or team entries.

Sponsorship options

We’ll be keeping sponsorship packages straightforward, with clear visibility for supporters and a focus on channelling as much money as possible to Maggie’s.

Headline event sponsor Stage sponsors (Loch / Hills / Kelpies) Logistics & transport partners Kit & catering sponsors

If your business would like to be involved, please mention this in the form above or email: contact@6nationspluschallenge.co.uk.

Organising team

The 6 Nations Plus Challenge is being pulled together by a small group from within the foodservice equipment community, working closely with Maggie’s to make sure the event is impactful, safe and memorable for everyone involved.

We’ll publish a full list of supporters and sponsors as the plans develop. If you’d like your company to be part of that list from the start, we’d love to hear from you.