Organisers of the UK's major mass-participation events, including the London Marathon, have launched the 2.6 Challenge campaign to help charities raise some much-needed money.
The week-long challenge kicks off on Sunday, April 26, when the London Marathon would have held its 40th annual event, and simply asks participants to complete a challenge based around the number 2.6 or 26.
The Virgin Money London Marathon alone is the world’s biggest one-day fundraising event, which raised more than £66.4 million for thousands of charities in 2019, and is a vital source of income for many charities.
How can I get involved with the 2.6 Challenge?
The best thing about the 2.6 Challenge is that it can be any activity you like that suits your particular skills. From jogging 2.6 miles around your local area, or taking your pet for a 26-minute walk, to baking 26 of your favourite cookies, or drawing 26 different pets – whatever your age or ability, you can take part.
The #TwoPointSixChallenge is your chance to be a Home Hero and raise funds from your very own living room, bedroom, balcony, or garden!
There are no rules – apart from the Government guidelines on how to exercise safely during this time. The main thing is to get active, have fun, pledge whatever you can to help, or fundraise to save the UK’s charities.
What can I do to get involved with the 2.6 Challenge?
Here’s some ideas of what you could do:
- Run 2.6 miles
- Walk the dog for 26 minutes
- Go for a 26-minute walk (you could even do it wearing a dog onesie, or dog-themed clothes)
- Bake 26 of your favourite cookies or cakes (or 26 of your dog’s favourites)
- Draw 26 pictures of dogs
- Do some gardening for 26 minutes
- Play fetch with your dog 26 times
Here's some ideas for which charities you could support:
- Battersea
- RSPCA
- Dogs Trust
- Mayhew
- PDSA
- Blue Cross
- Bath Cats and Dogs Home
- Guide Dogs
- Woodgreen
- Pets As Therapy
You can donate money to any charity that you wish - big or small.
What do I need to do now?
You can choose to either donate an amount of money directly to your chosen charity, or you can fundraise for your favourite charity, by getting your friends and family to sponsor you.
All you need to do now is head to www.twopointsixchallenge.co.uk to find ideas and inspiration from what other people are doing, choose your #TwoPointSixChallenge, click on the ‘donate or fundraise’ buttons to save your chosen charity, then complete your challenge.
Let us know how you get on, and who you are supporting!
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What are other people doing for the 2.6 Challenge?
Running a marathon in the garden
Dog lover Annie Rawlinson is hoping to raise thousands for Dogs Trust, by running a marathon – in her garden.
An air-horn at 9.30am – the time the London Marathon was due to get underway - will herald the start of 56-year-old Annie’s mammoth challenge which will see her run 210 laps of her garden, to equal the 26.219 miles of the marathon, in her ‘Brewski’ ‘mongrel mascot’ costume.
Dog catching a ball for 26 minutes
Rescue dog Lexi will take part in 26 minutes of ball catching per day.
RSPCA South Godstone helped to rehome Lexi, a rottweiler and staffie cross, nine years ago to Kara Attwood, Compliance Officer for the RSPCA who lives in Horsham in Sussex. Lexi was one of a litter of 10 puppies who was rehomed when their owner couldn’t cope with the unexpected litter.