About the challenge
The Mattioli Woods EB Challenge began in spring 2021, born out of lockdown as a way to bring a dispersed team together. What started as a virtual walk between UK offices – with the team reaching the south of France for good measure – has since become a firm fixture in the calendar, a run every spring for five consecutive years.
This year’s challenge was the most ambitious yet: a virtual route across America linking the four 2026 FIFA World Cup host stadiums in Boston, Texas, Miami and New York. Total distance: just over 4,500 miles – the longest target ever set.
After three weeks, it looked unlikely. But the team dug in, with a final-week push – helped along by the incentive of a free team lunch – seeing them cross the line with 100 miles to spare.
“There are enough challenges in the workplace – it’s nice to have one outside of it.” – Adrian Firth, Challenge Organiser
What makes it work?
Organiser Adrian Firth is clear: it’s not the high-mileage athletes who make the challenge succeed – it’s everyone else.
“The most important people are those who do a short walk or a short run two or three times a week. That adds the most mileage by far.”
This year’s standout performer was Carole Leigh, who went out twice a day, every day – running, walking and swimming throughout. But alongside the leaderboard, participants also shared photos of dogs, sunrises, sunsets and scenic routes from as far away as Sydney Harbour. The challenge, as ever, was about far more than miles.
Participant voices
Tom Martin – Senior Consultant and serial runner
Now in his third consecutive challenge, Tom covered 145 miles across 21 activities – one of the highest individual totals in the team. A committed runner training for the Manchester Marathon in April 2027, Tom used the challenge to push himself that little bit further.
“My wife had taken the kids out, so I went for a run. I didn’t really mean to, but I ended up doing a casual half marathon. It was a lovely spring morning and I just kept going.”
For Tom, working from home three to four days a week, the challenge provided structure and a reason to step away from the screen. The competitive element – keeping an eye on colleague Leanne’s mileage – provided extra motivation throughout.
“If you’re competitive like me, knowing someone is close behind you keeps you going. But it’s all for the good of the team.”
Harriet Quigley – Employee Benefits Client Relationship Manager – Online team
Harriet used the challenge as a springboard to get back into swimming – fitting lunchtime pool sessions around a busy working schedule and family life with two young children. The results came quickly: within weeks she had shaved minutes off her times and was covering 2k per session.
“The challenge gave me that kickstarter. I’m still swimming up to three times a week now – more than I was doing during the challenge itself.”
Her team’s mutual accountability kept her going on the days motivation dipped, and the Online team went on to win the final-week prize – finishing as champions and earning their celebratory lunch.
“Finding something you actually enjoy makes all the difference.”
