NHS TO REWARD 30 MINUTES A DAY WALK – Participants may receive incentives such as shopping vouchers for completing the challenge

The NHS is launching a “marathon a month” challenge that rewards people for walking around 30 minutes a day.

Participants can log their walks and may receive incentives such as shopping vouchers for completing the challenge.

Millions will be urged to meet the daily walking targets in a campaign led by Sir Brendan Foster, the Olympic medallist, alongside Sir Keith Mills, the Air Miles inventor.

Sir Brendan, who founded the Great North Run, said the challenge would encourage people to build walking into everyday life, with rewards ranging from digital badges and medals to discounts and vouchers.

Health officials are in talks with high street and online retailers about a loyalty scheme, similar to those offered by supermarkets and coffee chains, rewarding people for healthy behaviour.

The campaign, called Movement 26.2, will launch in January, when millions will be encouraged to complete “a marathon a month” through everyday walking, signing up through a digital platform expected to be an app or website.