Sevenoaks Ladies Joggers (SLJ) have spent the last few weeks trying to keep some semblance of normality within their group and ensuring that everyone who runs, walks or takes part in studio classes with them can keep motivated and active during the lock-down period.
They have been able to move all their studio classes online and are keeping in touch with their runners and walkers via WhatsApp groups and everyone is responding brilliantly and keeping them updated with their daily exercise.
As they are, primarily, a running club and have been for over 20 years, they felt quite affected by the postponement of the London Marathon as it represents so much for so many people and raises so much for charity.
A club spokesperson said: “Several of our runners have taken part in the race over the years, including Sam, our founder and the London Marathon means something to most people in the UK.
“Even if we haven’t run it ourselves, we have most certainly supported a family member or friend who has. As there were going to be many disappointed people who were due to run the marathon, we decided to set up our own London Marathon Challenge that could not only get SLJ and the wider community involved in a fun and fitness-related activity, but also raise vital funds for the NHS during the Corona crisis.
The challenge we have set is to encourage everyone at SLJ, and beyond, to run or walk 26.2 miles over the course of seven days. This can be completed as a group of friends or family, or by yourself if you would prefer!
We are asking everyone who participates to share photographic evidence with us (photos of them, their team-mates and their running watches) via their social media channels using the hashtag #SLJTeamMarathonChallenge and our social media handles so that we can create a fun and positive event that, although we can’t do ‘together’, can be a real bonding and community effort during this time of isolation. We have set up a Just Giving page so that everyone who participates can donate to the NHS. We really hope to see as many people as possible joining in with us!
sevenoaksladiesjoggers.co.uk/sljnhsmarathon
Instagram – @sljrunningandfitnesssevenoaks
Facebook – facebook.com/sljrunningandfitnesssevenoaks/
Just Giving Page – www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sljteammarathonchallenge
