How you can take on the Great North Run virtually - in memory of South Shields couple Chloe Rutherford and Liam Curry

The 40th anniversary of the Great North Run may have been postponed due to the coronavirus crisis, but people are still being urged to take on the half-marathon individually to raise much needed funds.

The famous half-marathon attracts tens of thousands of visitors to complete the route from Newcastle to South Shields seafront and raises hundreds of thousands for charity.

The Chloe and Liam Together Forever Trust, set up in honour of Chloe Rutherford, 17, and Liam Curry, 19, after they were tragically killed in the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017, usually has dozens of runners signing up to take part in memory of the couple.

Their efforts raise hundreds to help other young people fulfil their dreams in performance and sport.

Now the trust is looking for volunteers to sign up to take on the 13.1 miles virtually over the next month.

Participants can walk, run, swim, skate or cover the distance in any way they like and have the whole of August to complete the challenge – so it doesn’t have to be done all in one go.

Fundraisers will receive a Together Forever Trust medal on completion, just as they would after crossing the finishing line in Bents Park.

A spokesperson for the trust said: “Anyone can join in, it doesn’t matter whether you run, walk, swim, scooter, ride, row, skate or whatever other notion you can come up with.

"The idea is to have fun while raising some much needed funds for us by getting sponsored as you would the Great North Run.

“Once you have reached your 13.1 miles let us know and we will get your medal out to for you – and make sure you tag us in your pictures so we can see how well you’ve all done.”

Participants can choose from two options. Option one will get you a certificate and a medal for £15 or those who go for option two will receive a certificate, medal and T-shirt for £25

Sign up here

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