The Paul Lowe Challenge is a global endurance event that combines cycling, running, swimming, and other forms of physical activity to honor the life and legacy of award-winning photojournalist Paul Lowe. Created by his friends and colleagues after his tragic passing in October 2024, this challenge will fund scholarships for emerging storytellers from the majority world and raise awareness about PTSD among journalists. It brings together three threads central to Paul’s life: journalism, education, and sport.

Paul Lowe was an award-winning photojournalist and educator whose images captured the human impact of war, crisis, and resilience across conflicts including Bosnia, Chechnya, and Rwanda. Educated at Cambridge University and the University of Wales, he was a professor at the University of the Arts, London, who mentored generations of young journalists. Beyond his professional work, Paul was also an accomplished endurance athlete who ran ultra-marathons and represented Great Britain as an amateur cyclist. This challenge honors his legacy and continues the work he believed in. You can find more information about Paul Lowe and his work here.

The Paul Lowe Challenge uniquely combines movement with a mission to support education and mental health in visual journalism — topics that are still under-acknowledged and underfunded. It’s about building a global community united in solidarity, raising visibility for journalists' mental health, and creating tangible change in the field. The challenge also reflects Paul's commitment to both professional excellence and physical endurance.

Not at all! The Paul Lowe Challenge is open to everyone worldwide, regardless of athletic ability. Whether you're an experienced triathlete, casual cyclist, weekend runner, recreational swimmer, hiker, or simply someone who wants to move in solidarity, every step, stroke, or pedal counts.

This event was designed to be inclusive while also offering options for more serious endurance athletes.

Participants can choose from several options:

• Join one of the Paul Lowe Challenge organized rides near you – see the information on our Events page
• Join another recognized sportive or Gran Fondo
• Participate through an individual activity. For example, you could choose one of the following challenges to complete on any day before 27 September:
  • Ride 100km
  • Run 10km
  • Swim 3km
  • Do all three activities and complete an Olympic triathlon (1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run)
• Or simply get outside and move in whatever way feels meaningful to you!

The challenge takes place between 20-27 September 2025.

No, the Paul Lowe Challenge is designed to be inclusive and flexible. You can choose your route, distance, and activity based on your abilities and preferences. Whether it's five kilometers or 500, what matters most is your participation and intention.

Registration will open on 20 June on our website. There is no fixed participation fee but all athletes or groups who register as a team must commit to raising at least US$500 to participate (guaranteed by credit card). This fundraising commitment helps ensure the event creates meaningful impact for the causes it supports. If you are a citizen of a non-G20 country, the commitment is $100. If you want to participate in the fundraising but not the sport, you can do that here.

All the money raised will go to special funds managed by The VII Foundation and will be dispersed in collaboration with Amra Abadzic Lowe, to be used for two initiatives run by The VII Foundation:

• Scholarship programs for journalism students from the majority world
• Resources and support for visual journalists affected by trauma and PTSD, including:
• Peer support networks and trauma-informed training programs
• Public forums featuring experts in mental health and journalism
• Collaborations with researchers like Prof. Anthony Feinstein and the Dart Center
• Development of resource platforms providing trusted information and tools
• Publications highlighting relevant research and personal accounts

Transparency is important to us, and we'll provide regular updates on how funds are being used.

Yes, absolutely! You can:

• Donate directly to the cause here
• Sponsor a participant or team
• Spread the word through social media
• Volunteer for local events
• Host a related discussion or awareness event
• Share relevant resources about journalists' mental health

Every contribution helps raise awareness and make a difference.

Yes, absolutely! We welcome corporate sponsorships and partnerships. If you're interested in supporting the Paul Lowe Challenge, please contact us at [email protected] for more information.

We have several rides in cities around the world that will be led by VII Foundation contributing photographers and friends of Paul – see our Events page for details. We also encourage you to organize your ride, run, swim, or walk, either solo or with a group in your community. We will provide a comprehensive toolkit including promotional materials, fundraising guidance, and social media templates to support your event. Anyone, anywhere, can participate and create local momentum.

We especially encourage educational institutions and media organizations to join the movement by:

• Organizing team participation
• Hosting discussions on journalists' wellbeing
• Creating curricular connections
• Fundraising initiatives
• Offering in-kind support

We'll help you get started, provide resources, and give visibility to your efforts. Contact us at [email protected] for more information.

Follow us on social media, subscribe to our newsletter, and share your ride, story, or message using the hashtag #PaulLoweChallenge. We'll feature participant stories and journeys on our platforms. Your voice helps amplify the cause.

The Paul Lowe Challenge is organized by The VII Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports journalism, education, and visual storytelling with global impact. Paul's family and close colleagues have been instrumental in organizing this event and fully support the event.