Olly Murs completes his row, bike and run challenge for Soccer Aid for UNICEF

Singer and TV presenter reaches the end of his 'triathlon' challenge to raise nearly a million pounds for charity
Olly Murs Into The Unknown challenge 2026
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Olly Murs completed his own 400km ‘endurance ‘triathlon’ challenge on Friday – at which point he’d raised £832,257 to mark Soccer Aid for UNICEF’s 20th Anniversary.

The multi‑platinum singer and TV presenter stepped away from the stage to take on what he called “one of the toughest challenges of his life”.

He ran, rode and rowed his way from Manchester’s Old Trafford – where Soccer Aid first kicked off – to London Stadium, the home of this year’s milestone match, an event he’s been heavily involved in over the years.

Total heading towards a million

The challenge spanned five days, each one testing him in new ways – across tough terrain, punishing climbs and intimidating stretches of water.

To make things even tougher, Olly didn’t know each day’s route until moments before he set off.

The final day saw him head at the crack of dawn from St Albans to London’s West End. He hot-footed it past Trafalgar Square, along the Thames, past the Tower of London and into London Stadium at the capital’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, finishing live on the ‘This Morning’ programme where he learnt he’d raised an incredible £832,257 so far.

Olly Murs Into The Unknown challenge 2026
[Photo credit: Into The Unknown | Soccer Aid]

‘I’ve laughed, I’ve cried’

Speaking from the finish line, Olly said: “Done. Finito, finished. Oh, my God. It’s been a painful week…I’ve laughed, I’ve cried.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone for donating. For every single person that’s given a little bit towards Soccer Aid for UNICEF, it’s going to make a huge difference.”

If you would like to donate then you can do so here.

Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  

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