Looking to stay fit and motivated, while also helping us? Read on!
With our regular programme of challenge events having been either cancelled or postponed for the foreseeable future, here's some alternative ways to help us while at the same time staying safe and being motivated to keep fit.
This is your opportunity to join forces with a growing ‘virtual’ team of likeminded supporters, who are going the extra mile to complete personal challenges from their own locality.
Whether it's undertaking one of our set-distance runs or building a challenge of your own design, there are several options to choose from:
My RideLondon
You’ve probably heard of the RideLondon-Surrey 100, a fantastic 100-mile route on closed roads through the capital into Surrey’s stunning countryside. The organisers are offering some great virtual bike race options to take part in on the weekend of 15/16 August and raise money for charity. It’s your chance to be a Home Hero!
It’s free to enter – just register, choose your distance and follow some simple steps to personalise your day. With four challenges to choose from, its perfect for all ages and abilities. You just have to complete your challenge, on a route of your choice, on the 15th or 16th August – there's even a My Prudential RideLondon app to track, share and log your ride. Just register here and, when you’re ready, set up a JustGiving page. BRING. IT. ON!
"I did it! The back garden 7k"
Ali, who's currently undergoing a major course of chemotherapy, raised over £1000 for our work by running 140 laps of her garden as an alternative to the cancelled Blenheim 7k event.
She had encouragement all the way from her son Tiago, who we’ve supported for many years. “I didn’t have a time in mind, just completing it was a challenge,” she said, “But Tiago cheered me on every lap. It was great!”
Set Distance Challenge
Run a standard distance of either 5K, 10K, 15k or a Half Marathon – just sign up through one of the links below, choose your local route, run your distance, and then upload your run to the RealBuzz website to receive a unique SpecialEffect medal! Ideal for anyone who signed up for a Rough Runner or Half Marathon and still wants to fulfil their pledge to their sponsors.
SpecialEffect supporters can register for FREE, all we ask is that you try to raise a minimum of £20 to cover the admin cost of your place to the charity.
Register for a 10K Virtual Run
Steve's longest run
Steve's fundraising for us by running a virtual half marathon from his home in Cornwall. This is a huge undertaking for him - the longest race he's previously competed in was six miles.
Steve chose SpecialEffect to raise money for during the lockdown as he felt the fun and inclusion people have in their day-to-day lives is something most people take for granted. As an asthmatic, he's in an 'at risk' category and was going to do the distance in two separate runs, but in the end did plenty of training before running the full distance in one go!
“I love running and enjoy giving back when I can. During the current covid-19 pandemic many people aren't able to get out and do what we all took for granted. In the UK we have the chance to get out once a day to exercise so I am making the most of this opportunity and wanted to find a way to give something back.”
Build Your Own Challenge
Alternatively, you can design your own challenge – whether it’s walking, running or cycling. It could be a one-off activity or working towards a cumulative total over a period of time (eg. 5000 steps per day over a month).
You set the distance, time period and fundraising target you want – then set up your JustGiving page as part of our Virtual Event campaign and track your progress using the Strava integration app.
At the end, you’ll receive a special certificate from us!
"DONE!... It was worth it"
Sam completed a 5K challenge in his powered wheelchair at home, raising over £350 for our work by going up and down the length of his house - all 8.5 metres of it! That meant a lot of laps and it took him 1hr 27 to complete. His mum even made him a finish line to cross over!
Important Notice
Please ensure that you observe the latest Government guidelines around exercise and social distancing whilst completing your challenge. SpecialEffect accepts no liability for injury or damage to property sustained in completing your virtual event.
