LONDON YOUTH GAMES LAUNCH VIRTUAL SPRING RUN TO HELP ENCOURAGE YOUNG LONDONERS BACK TO SPORT

With lockdown measures lifting, Virtual Spring Run will provide young Londoners with the opportunity to get active and represent their boroughs as they prepare for a return to face-to-face sport. The competition will begin on 10^th May and run until 24^th May.

London Youth Games believes sport is a right for all so has created an inclusive running event with a variety of distances to ensure accessibility for all young Londoners.

Participants can choose a distance between 0.5km and 5km to run. Their distance will count towards a borough total. The borough that runs the furthest collective distance by the end of the two-week competition will be crowned Virtual Spring Run champions.

Whether entering as an individual, an Athletics club, a school, or a community group, the competition is open to all Londoners aged 18 or under. Distances can be completed running, walking, using a wheelchair, a frame, or with assistance.

Individual prizes are also up for grabs as part of The 3km Challenge. Participants wishing to enter The 3km Challenge must submit a time for their 3km distance. The fastest male and female entrants will be awarded with some Nike running swag.

Virtual Spring Run builds on the success of the London Youth Games’ Virtual Cross Country event that took place in November, and follows a series of virtual activities organised during the third lockdown, including the Virtual Inclusive Games, Virtual Dance and School Games Fitness Challenges, which attracted over 80,000 entries.

Andy Dalby-Welsh, CEO of LYG, said: “We know the positive impact that sport and physical activity can have on young people’s physical and mental wellbeing. Following the success of our Virtual Cross Country event and other virtual activities, we have developed an inclusive running event to help young people transition back to sport on their own terms.”

For more information about Virtual Spring Run, please visit: https://www.londonyouthgames.org/virtual-games/