How you can compete to run the fastest mile in a monthly virtual race during lockdown

Hundreds of runners travel to South Shields each month to take part in Run Eat Sleep’s Monthly Mile race in Bents Park.

The event, organised by the local running club, usually takes place on the first Wednesday of the month, with people competing to cross the finish line first with their fastest mile.

Due to the lockdown measures introduced in March, all races have been cancelled until further notice - but organisers have found a way for runners to put themselves to the test while still following social distancing guidelines.

The virtual Monthly Mile series will kick off on Monday, May 4 and participants will have a week to run and record their fastest mile.

Results will be published on Monday, May 11, with runners entering a 2020 league table scoring points for every mile they take part in.

Families are encouraged to take part together, with parents uploading race times to the Strava app.

Race organiser and founder of Run Eat Sleep, Luke Adams, said: “We usually see hundreds of runners taking part each month - people travel from as far as Scotland to race - from really strong club runners to those who are relatively new to it.

“Obviously we can’t do that at the moment, but this is a way for people to take part in something together - even though they are doing it on their own.”

Luke launched his virtual running group in March after England Athletics advised that all face-to-face activity such as club training sessions, events, competitions, should be suspended.

It now has hundreds of members who share their runs and set challenges for each other every week.

“The response to the virtual club has been excellent,” added Luke.

“It's a way of feeling part of a community and it’s become something people really look forward to.”

Runners can take part free of charge, or give a voluntary donation of £2.50 entry fee.

Times can be uploading to The Monthly Mile Strava Club or by emailing [email protected]

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