Marathon challenge raises over £10m

A virtual alternative to the London Marathon has raised more than £10m for thousands of charities.

The marathon, one of the year’s biggest fundraisers, was cancelled because of the coronavirus response.

However those who missed out were encouraged to take on a new challenge - from running to swimming, fancy dress and cocktail making, using the numbers two and six – in honour of the number of miles in a marathon.

A record 3,961 charities got behind the campaign which was launched last month.

Now, 15 days after the challenge began, more than £10 million has been raised, prompting a message from the Queen.

A letter sent to Sir John Spurling, chairman of London Marathon Events, read: "Congratulations and warmest good wishes to you and all those involved.”

Hugh Brasher, co-chairman of the Mass Participation Sports Organisers (MSO) group and event director of London Marathon Events, described the achievement as "an extraordinary success story."

He said: "We would like to thank everyone involved: the team that put the campaign together, the businesses and organisations that supported it, and, most of all, every single person who came up with a 2.6 Challenge and raised money for their chosen charity."

Nick Rusling, co-chairman of MSO and chief executive of Human Race, added: ‘At a time when isolation is a real issue, the spirit behind the challenge has brought together families, streets, colleagues and friends."