London Marathon runs Two Point Six Challenge for U.K. charities

The 40th London Marathon was supposed to take place on Sunday, April 26, but back in March, organizers were forced to postpone the race until October 4. In 2019, the event raised £66.4 million (over C$115 million) for thousands of charities in the U.K., many of which have had to shut down their operations during the coronavirus outbreak. Despite having no race to run, the London Marathon created the Two Point Six Challenge to raise money for these foundations so they can make it through COVID-19 and continue supporting their causes once the world gets back to normal.

?We needed you to save the UK's charities. And you responded in the only way the British public can?

?Thanks to everyone who has taken part in the #TwoPointSixChallenge so far, but it's not over!

✅Participate
✅Donate
✅Nominate

Pledge your support: https://t.co/vS50fWaiSP pic.twitter.com/dPCxUbphnJ

— TCS London Marathon (@LondonMarathon) April 28, 2020

The Two Point Six Challenge is simple. Anyone can participate by doing any activity they like and centring it around the numbers 2.6 or 26. Some people have run 2.6 miles, some have run a full marathon of 26 miles. Other people have cycled for 26K or held planks for 2.6 minutes. People have baked, gardened, kicked soccer balls and danced for the challenge, which has raised over £7 million pounds (over C$12 million) so far.

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“There are no rules,” the challenge website says, “apart from the government guidelines on how to exercise safely during this time.” For anyone lacking inspiration for an activity they could do, the website has a list of ideas and suggestions. It’s not the London Marathon challenge runners hoped to be doing this spring, but it’s a fun way to pass the time, support a good cause and be a part of a big, collective movement, even if everyone’s apart while participating.

Thirsty – and hungry – work ? ?

26 laps of the garden with a fridge full of supplies ?

? Instagram / truegritevents | #TwoPointSixChallenge pic.twitter.com/zBJE4O4aCt

— TCS London Marathon (@LondonMarathon) April 28, 2020

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The challenge is still open for entries, and donations can be made online. If you donate and take part in the challenge, be sure to record some part of your activity and use the hashtag #TwoPointSixChallenge if you post it on Twitter.