Great Run’s Virtual Running Challenges On Track To Raise A Quarter Of A Million For NHS Charity

Two virtual running challenges created by the Great North Run team are on course to raise £250,000 for the NHS Charities Together COVID-19 Urgent Appeal.

Great Run Solo and Great North Run Solo have reached 30,000 entries to date. Organisers believe it is the biggest virtual running challenge launched by an individual event in the UK.

The combined fundraising total stands at over £200,000 so far.

Great Run Solo was introduced in May to provide running challenges to keep people active during the lockdown period. Great North Run Solo was formed to celebrate the 40^th staging of the half marathon after its cancellation.

It is part of a wider campaign called Great North Run Reimagined, providing runners with two virtual running events:

• Great North Run Solo to take them through what would have been the traditional training period
• The Official Virtual Great North Run to give an on the day virtual race experience

Enter Great North Run Solo

Paul Foster, chief executive of The Great Run Company said: “Even though the Great North Run won’t take place on the ground, we still have thousands of people who want to celebrate this iconic event. We’re thrilled that so many people have entered the Great North Run Solo virtual running challenge.

“The entire Great North Run Reimagined campaign will provide an experience as close as possible to the real thing.”

Sir James Mackey, chief executive of Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It is a great shame that the Great North Run will not be held as it usually is this year and we’re delighted that the organisers are enabling people to still take part in some form and reap the benefits – both physical and mental – that running brings. The Great North Run is a local, and national treasure, and is so important to the North East in so many ways – not least the broader health and wellbeing impact it has.

“As a long-standing member of NHS Charities Together, we have been very impressed at the speed at which funding has been sent to member charities to make a positive difference to staff on the frontline and patients.

“We’d urge people to get involved in the virtual challenges and ensure the Great North Run still has a presence in 2020.”

Still time to take part

Great North Run Solo entries are open until 31^st July. Entrants can run any pace or distance and everyone who completes the challenge will receive a special edition medal. The challenge costs £10 to join, and all profits will go to the NHS Charities Together COVID-19 Urgent Appeal. Organisers are encouraging everyone who joins Great North Run Solo to fundraise for a charity.

To find out more and enter visit greatrun.org/north