Athletics and Running for everyone... safely distanced
Building on our Athletics and Running for everyone @home programme*, launched in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are pleased to announce the next step in moving towards a new ‘normal’, which we hope will see full training and competition in the not-too-distant future.
Whilst we wait for our wish to get back to being with our club, group and competition counterparts whenever we want, everyone at England Athletics, RunTogether and funetics has been working to create new elements for our support programme for our affiliated clubs and registered athletes as well as the wider community: welcome to Athletics and Running for everyone… safely distanced:
Weekly30 Virtual Running Challenge
We have launched the Weekly30 Run Challenge, a free weekly virtual running challenge starting 20-21 June, encouraging everyone to run for 30 minutes and compete with each other every weekend (following government guidelines while running). With group running and mass participation events currently restricted, the Weekly30 Run Challenge will help keep people fit whilst giving them a performance benchmark through inclusive, friendly competition: every runner counts! Runners simply register free via the dedicated Weekly30 Run Challenge section of the OpenTrack virtual running events website (users only need to register once to compete every week).
National 5k Road Running Championships
England Athletics has launched a free-to-enter virtual version of the national 5k Championships for 2020 to enable runners nationwide to compete at a time when many road race events are on-hold. As well as creating an exciting platform for performance-focused runners to challenge for the national 5k title, the fact there is no minimum entry standard means the Championships also provide a fantastic opportunity for many runners to gain their first experience in national competition.
The Championships offer plenty of chances for glory - with medals awarded to runners finishing 1st, 2nd and 3rd overall in both women’s and men’s categories plus further possibilities to grab a podium spot in a Club competition and winning medals in the Age Category competitions.
Multi-Event Competitions
We have linked up with Sportshall to offer members a free platform to create their own virtual multi-event competition suitable for the at-home or close-to-home environment. Virtual Multi-Event @home features 13 events, including 10 primary events and 3 secondary events, with organisers able to tailor their competition to include either a selection, or all, of the following: Standing Long Jump, Standing Vertical Jump, Standing Triple Jump, Balance Test, Speed Bounce, Target Throw, Overhead Heave, Hi-Step 4x8m, Chest Push, Shuttle Run 10mx10m, Indoor Javelin, 800m and Shot Put.
We would like to emphasise that this is not a starting point for full training and competitions to take place as normal pre-Coronavirus. The current government exercise guidelines are clear and England Athletics support this messaging - click here for the latest guidance updates.
* Please check out our coaching and club support webinars, virtual club nights, officials resources, volunteer awards, online learning opportunities, mental health guidance and fun athletics for the u11s amongst other options on our Athletics and Running @home page.
Disclaimer:
Any participants in physical activity, exercise programmes or virtual challenges and competitions should be in good physical condition and be able to participate in any exercise. England Athletics is not a licensed medical care provider and we have no expertise in diagnosing, examining, or treating medical conditions of any kind, or in determining the effect of any specific exercise on a medical condition.
You should understand that when participating in any exercise or exercise programme, physical activity, or virtual competition at home, or close-to-home, that there is the possibility of physical injury to you and others. You should always assess the suitability of the exercise location, environment and equipment being used in order to ensure no risk is posed to others or yourself.
If you engage in this exercise or all elements of a programme, physical activity or virtual competition, you agree that you do so at your own risk and you are voluntarily participating in these activities, as well as assuming all risk of injury to yourself. In doing so, you agree to release and discharge England Athletics from any and all claims or causes of action, known or unknown, arising out of the participation in such activity and use of any associated guidance.