The Paul Lowe Challenge

Ride, Run and/or Swim. Move with purpose and support a new generation of journalists.

Protecting independent journalism and mentoring the next generation of visual storytellers to report on the world’s most pressing issues.

Paul Lowe was a pioneering photojournalist, educator, and endurance athlete who documented some of the most defining moments of our time, inspiring hundreds of emerging photojournalists. We are committed to honoring and continuing his legacy in storytelling and education through a global initiative that transforms personal sports challenges into purpose, creating opportunities to protect, support and train the next generation of visual journalists.

The Challenge

The Paul Lowe Challenge is open to anyone who wants to get outside and ride a bike, run, or swim, no matter where you live. The challenge takes place between 20-27 September 2025.

How to take part

Choose how and where you join:

If you don’t fancy these options but want to get outside, be active, and participate in a fundraising event for a great cause with like-minded people worldwide, you can still participate. Just get outside and run, ride, swim, or walk!

Get connected and ready to go:

Forum Join the Strava Club Get your kit
92 Days
16 Hours
14 Minutes
07 Seconds

Fundraising

Whether you're taking part as an athlete or supporting from the sidelines, your involvement helps protect independent journalism and train the next generation of visual storytellers.

Find out how to get involved

In October 2024, we lost Dr. Paul Lowe, a beloved and deeply respected voice in global photojournalism and visual education. Paul was not only an award-winning photojournalist, but also a compassionate storyteller who helped the world bear witness to some of its most crucial events, from the fall of the Berlin Wall to the genocide in Rwanda, the war in Chechnya, and the siege of Sarajevo.

As an educator, mentor, and advocate, he empowered hundreds of young journalists — especially those from overlooked, marginalized, and post-conflict regions — to find their voice. His legacy lives on through a global community of storytellers inspired by his passion, his work, and his belief in the power of journalism to make a difference.

Paul was also a dedicated endurance athlete – cyclist, ultra-marathoner, and triathlete – who found healing, strength, and an anchoring ground through movement and connection with others.

The Paul Lowe Challenge brings together journalism, education, and sport — all central pillars to Paul’s life — to raise awareness about the vital role of journalism in society, and the urgent need to address mental health issues and journalists’ well-being. This global initiative aims to transform grief into purpose. It mobilizes riders, amateur athelets, and supporters across the world to raise funds for journalism scholarships in Paul’s name. In particular, it focuses on supporting students from the majority world, a cause he championed throughout his life. It also funds initiatives that provide support to visual journalists experiencing trauma and living with PTSD, continuing Paul’s lifelong commitment to care and the transformative power of storytelling.

We invite you to partner with us in continuing his legacy.

Where your support goes

All funds will be managed by The VII Foundation, in close collaboration with Paul Lowe’s family. Transparency is a core value of the foundation and we are committed to providing regular updates so you can see the impact your support is making.

News & Socials

Follow the challenge as it unfolds around the world. See who’s riding, running, and swimming – and share your own story.

Loading Instagram posts...

Explore News & Socials

Organizer

The VII Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to in-depth journalism covering the crucial issues of our time. In a world where beliefs and actions are increasingly out-of-sync with facts and realities, our response is to ensure the truth is documented to enable communities worldwide to make evidence-based choices about the challenges impacting their lives.

For more information or to get involved, please contact: [email protected]