With ladies becoming more prominent and excelling in long distance events I wondered if when you update your womens outdoor clothing you might want to set yourself a challenge this year and earn some money for a favourite charity this year, and don’t worry gents all the events I have found , you can take part in as well. There is even a couple I wouldn’t mind trying myself.

So what have I found, well one of those I wouldn’t mind having a go at myself is the Thames Path Challenge. This takes place over the 13th and 14th September and this year follows this world famous river from Putney Bridge upstream to Runnymede and then onto Henley. There are a choice of distances to try with options of 25km, 50km and 100km. The course is backed by an extensive team of support walkers, marshals, caterers, as well as medical staff and are all on hand to provide support and encouragement along the route, so even if you attempt this one on your own there is plenty of help. Get across that all important finish line and as well as receiving your Finishers medal and a T shirt, there is a cold glass of bubbly waiting as a thank you.

If you fancy something a little shorter then why not look at taking part in the ‘Walk Ten’ event being organised by Marie Curie. Taking place at 19 different locations across the UK, this is open to people of all ages and abilities and each event celebrates its finishers in the evening with music and entertainment. The nearest one to us here takes place on the 9th August at Tatton Park, where the 10km walk will allows exclusive evening access to the Park with a great chance of seeing the herds of wild deer. After the walk you will be able to settle down and enjoy the celebrations with live music, live entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display at 10pm, so come prepared with a picnic.

One especially for the ladies is The Grove House Midnight Walk taking place on the 12th July its back for the eighth year. The event sees hundreds of people dressed in pink taking part in either a 5 or 10 mile walk around St Albans until the early hours, raising money for Grove House hospice. It will begin at 10pm at Westminster Lodge in St Albans, where walkers can soak up the atmosphere with music, refreshments and face painting prior to the event. Get out your glitter, flashing ears, feather boas and sparkly hats and join in!

The Midnight Walk is open to anyone 12 years old and over, although under 18's must be accompanied by an adult. Men are more than welcome to come along too – as long as they’re not afraid to get in touch with their feminine side!

One taking place this evening is in aid of the The East Cheshire Hospice who’s Starlight Walk, which this year is taking place in the grounds of beautiful Capesthorne Hall starting at 11pm. Although with the weather outside I don’t know if you are going to see many starts, but with a ‘Festival’ theme this year the rain should give you plenty of mud to conquer. Good luck to all taking part.

So there you go, plenty to choose from the short to the decidedly long, but all for great causes, so check out the website and pick up some great bargains for womens outdoor clothing, pick a charity and get some training walks in now, you know it makes sense