The May 50K is a virtual fitness and fundraising challenge where participants roll, walk or run 50 kilometres throughout the month of May, to raise vital funds for people affected by multiple sclerosis (MS).
Every year, MSIF member organisations come together to bring The May 50K challenge to the world. Wherever you live, whatever your fitness levels, participants decide where and how to complete The May 50K. In past years, MSIF has been joined by DMSG (Germany), Stichting MS Research (Netherlands), the MS Society UK, Multiple Sclerosis South Africa (MSSA), MS Ireland, MS Canada and Esclerosis Múltiple Argentina.
A global collaboration
In 2025, over 10,000 people from 50 countries raised a collective £905,500. This incredible result was made possible by the passion, dedication, and commitment of the global MS community.
“Being part of The May 50K has been such a positive thing for MS Ireland. There is strength in numbers, and this is never truer than when it comes to fundraising and awareness. Being part of something global, for a smaller organisation like ours, is so important and reminds our Irish MS community and supporters that we are all part of a worldwide mission, that there is a whole world of knowledge, resources, and support out there.” (MS Ireland)
Raising funds to improve life with MS globally
MSIF, together with our member organisations, has committed to working across the globe to boost scientific progress to prevent, treat, and stop MS. We strive for a world where everyone living with MS can access treatments.
The money raised in The May 50K supports both national initiatives and global efforts to accelerate research and improve access to life-changing treatments for those affected by MS, no matter where they live. It enables MSIF to collaborate with its members across the world to improve the quality of life and wellbeing of everybody affected by MS.
A fitness and wellbeing challenge
As well as a challenge for a cause, The May 50K promotes healthy living. It’s a motivating challenge that inspires participants to get out and exercise in whatever way works for them.
‘Doing The May 50K gave me a purpose. Getting out is a struggle and depending on how my body is doing that day. With the May50K challenge, I went out whether I was well or not. I am trying to carry that purpose forward. Thank you for helping me.’ (2024 Participant, living with MS)
It’s important for everyone to stay healthy by looking after our physical and mental well-being. The May 50K is a great way to combine the two. As a community, we are stronger when we all walk, run or roll together.
During the challenge, people complete their kilometres in different ways, from indoor rowing machines to adapted trikes. It is a flexible challenge that allows people to take part in a way that works for them.
‘Taking part in this challenge made me focus on what I can do, rather than what I can’t do or struggle with. It gave me an enormous sense of achievement to take part and complete this and has helped me find my joy in running. Thank you.’ (2025 Participant, living with MS)
Joining a global community
The May 50K community is an incredible group of people from around the world, joining together to make a difference for everyone affected by MS. There is a thriving challenge Facebook community that comes alive with positivity during May. People register for the challenge and find a community that supports and inspires.
‘I enjoyed being part of the worldwide fundraising community, where lots of us encouraged each other’ (Jude, Participant in the UK)[SS2]
Registrations for the 2026 event will open in early 2026 – learn more here: www.themay50k.com
Join our Fundraising newsletter to keep up to date with the event.
About MSIF
MSIF is the global movement of MS organisations, by and for people affected by MS. We network, learn from each other, mobilise and enable global collaborations, to achieve the vital goals that can only be reached by coming together as a movement. We, the Federation, are made up of national MS organisations (including their staff, volunteers, and MS communities), the MSIF staff, board, and committees. The Federation has 47 member organisations in 45 countries, with links to many others around the world. As a movement, we bring the world together with urgency to improve the quality of life and well-being of everybody affected by MS and to end MS forever.
Blog courtesy of MSIF, a Patient Community Day Supporting Partner.