Would-be London Marathon runners near Northampton challenge village to charity race

Colin Wilkinson and Kate Gardener from Harpole are leading the way to victory in Harpole with their virtual village race.

After the London Marathon was cancelled on Sunday due to the Covid-19 pandemic, more than 50 people in the village have signed up to take part in a different kind of event.

It comes as the nation was asked on Sunday to get involved in the #TwoPointSixChallenge, which asked participants to choose a challenge related to 2.6 or 26 (the date of the would-be annual fundraiser and the number of miles in a marathon).

But Harpole wanted to go bigger and better.

From Sunday (April 26) to Sunday (May 5) families in the village are running, hopping, skipping and jumping round the village - following a set route - some of whom are dressed a little differently.

Kate Gardner said: "It's great seeing everyone getting involved, not just running but supporting too. People are really entering into the spirit - we’ve had Crayola Crayons, Darth Vader, a purple bear run, just to mention a few.

"People have been walking round with their dog, their families and there’s a shorter kids route, too. All the children taking part get a certificate and a medal and villagers are donating prizes for all the section winners."

The cancelled race has left many runners who have trained for months disappointed but charities have been hardest hit, as the Virgin Money London Marathon raised more than £66.4m in 2019.

Kate added: "There are a handful of people in the village who were due to run the marathon and haven’t had their chance yet.

"The marathon is always uplifting and good for morale so we thought it would be good to stage our own community event."

The villagers want to raise £1,500 to give to Northamptonshire Health Charity who supports Northamptonshire hospitals, including NGH and KGH, and their fundraising efforts have seen them cross the halfway line.

Racers are asked to donate £1 as an entry fee and those who would prefer not to run can buy a sweepstake ticket for the same price. If your runner wins, you win too.

Prizes so-far include a takeaway Sunday roast from Live and Let Live pub, bottles of wine and Champagne, handmade bunting and perfume.

If you would like to give to Harpole's #TwoPointSixChallenge, click here.