Search

RUN247 / Running News / Great Run’s Virtual Running Challenges On Track To Raise A Quarter Of A Million For NHS Charity

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

Published on

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 40th 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
Great North Run
Advertisement

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 31st 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

Written by
Editor

Latest Running News

Korir John wins Boston Marathon 2025 Photo credit: Boston Athletic Association / Boston Marathon
Chicago Marathon 2025: Start time, how to watch live and why world records could be at risk
Kilian Jornet States of Elevation Colorado section 2025
Kilian Jornet’s resting heart rate SOARS due to impact of ‘States of Elevation’
Jim Walmsley wins World Mountain and Trail Running Championships 2025
World Mountain & Trail Running Championships 2025: Superstars Schide and Walmsley make it a USA double in Long Race
Trail World Championship 2025 women podium Alexandersson Alonso Lang
World Mountain & Trail Running Championships 2025: Tranchand and Alexandersson take Short Trail golds
Lazarus Lake Barkley Marathons
‘If you build it they will come’ – our review of fantastic Laz Lake biography
trail running on your terms

Never miss out with our trail alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.

The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...