Chichester Runners beat lockdown lethargy with team marathons in aid of hospice

More than £1,000 was donated before the event with the actual amount expected to be much higher.

The lockdown has meant many runners have had to train and run alone and this has caused some to lack the motivation to go out, not wanting to run on their own.

The virtual marathon was a great reason to put the running shoes back on to run a few miles for a good cause. It also gave some of the club’s families the chance to do something together, although spread across the country. Runners were also asked to estimate their finishing times.

Seventeen teams consisting of varying numbers completed the marathon distance.

The smallest team had just three members with Jan Hill running 12 of the 26.2 miles while fellow team members Jenny and Keith did seven miles each in hilly Yorkshire.

The largest team had nine members with the shortest distance completed being just over two miles.

Quickest team was the Acton five-person family team who completed their marathon in 3.03.26.

The team closest to their estimated time was Trainer Quads, just 19 seconds out.

The fancy dress prize went to Rainbow Runners with all runners wearing the rainbow colours.