GNR and RideLondon go virtual for Meningitis Now
2020 has been a somewhat frustrating year in terms of events. The buzz of an epic race-day atmosphere seems like a distant memory and hours, weeks and months of training have seemingly been for nothing
With many staples in the race calendar like the Virgin Money London Marathon, Great North Run and RideLondon postponed or cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, not only have people’s physical and mental goals been massively impacted, but also the huge fundraising efforts that they undertake.
This has put a huge strain on the charity sector, many of whom rely on the fundraising income from these large events to carry out their core work.
In an attempt to combat this, many race companies are following in the footsteps of the incredibly successful 2.6 Challenge, and setting up their own virtual events. Here are two of our favourites, and how anyone can get involved.
MyRideLondon - 15-23 August 2020
The eighth Prudential RideLondon festival of cycling – with the RideLondon-Surrey 100 as its centrepiece – was due to take place during the weekend of 15-23 August. To help keep the wheels turning, the Prudential team are encouraging anyone, whether they had signed up to any of the weekend’s events or not, to take part in MyRideLondon instead.
It doesn’t matter what distance you undertake, whether it’s 19, 46 or 100 miles, scooting around your local park or pedalling laps of the garden on a trike; if you’ve got non-motorised wheeled transport available to you then you can register for free and choose your distance, your way.
Once you’ve registered, make sure you set up your Virgin Money Giving fundraising page and share photos and videos of your challenge using the hashtags #MyPRL and #meningitisnow. To say thank you, you’ll get a personalised certificate and virtual Pall Mall selfie at the end of your challenge. There is even a competition and prizes to be won!
Read more and sign up at www.myridelondon.co.uk
GNR Virtual - 13 September 2020
2020 should have been the 40th year of the Great North Run, one of the largest half marathons in the world. Even though the event isn’t able to go ahead this year, you can still ‘Be Your Greatest’ around your local area with the official 13.1 mile virtual run. GNR Virtual is available for anyone to take part in, whether you had a place in the official event or not, and is free to enter.
Once you’ve signed up, you’ll be able to download a special app that will give you all the sounds and virtual experience of the real race. You also have the option to purchase a medal and t-shirt. Make sure you set up your JustGiving page as well!
Find out more and sign up at www.greatrun.org/great-north-run
Can you help?
Even with many events cancelled this year, there are still loads of ways you can support us. We have our own fantastic virtual events, such as Jog On Meningitis and Marathon Month, which are perfect for raising money safely.
If you're looking for something a bit different, here are just a few ideas from our supporters:
Ready to get started? Set up your JustGiving page today.
