Organisers of Great South Run 'delighted' after people sign up to virtual challenge and help raise money for the NHS

The Great Run Company, which puts on the annual Great South Run in Portsmouth, launched the Great Run Solo to help people keep moving at a time when events across the country have been cancelled due to Covid-19.

In the first week, more than 2,500 people have signed up for the weekly and monthly challenges, ranging from 7k up to 280k and £20,000 has been raised for the NHS Charities Together Covid-19 Urgent Appeal.

Paul Foster, chief executive at The Great Run Company, said: ‘We’re delighted that so many people have taken on the #GreatRunSolo challenge in week one and helped to raise a significant sum for this extremely worthy cause.

‘The coronavirus outbreak has resulted in unprecedented challenges for the NHS, and every person who takes part is raising vital funds for the Appeal.

‘We are keeping the challenge going for the foreseeable future with the aim of raising more for the NHS.’

The challenge costs £10 to join and all go to the NHS Charities Together Covid-19 Urgent Appeal, which helps patients, staff and volunteers affected by coronavirus.

Each challenge begins on a Monday and lasts for seven or 28 days.

Everyone who completes the challenge will be rewarded with a unique #GreatRunSolo medal and each challenge has a different colour ribbon, representing the colours of the rainbow - the symbol of hope and support for the NHS.

The Great South Run is still scheduled to take place this year on Sunday, October 18 but organisers of the 10-mile run have said that they will continue to assess the situation with Covid-19 in the coming weeks and participants will be kept updated if anything changes.

The 5k and junior and mini events are also still planned to take place on Saturday, October 17.

Find out more and sign up to #GreatRunSolo at greatrun.org/virtual-running

For more information about the Great South Run visit greatrun.org/great-south-run

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