THIS Sunday, April 26, should have been the date of the 40th London Marathon, which draws in runners from across Somerset, the UK and the world.

But as with so many other mass participation events, the Marathon has been postponed due to coronavirus - and is now set to take place on October 4 instead.

The postponement of the 26-mile event has had a major impact on charities, with it being the world’s biggest one-day annual fundraising event - bringing in £66.4 million for charities in 2019.

Therefore, the organisers of the biggest mass participation sports events across the country have come together to create a new campaign to raise funds for good causes.

The campaign - The 2.6 Challenge - will launch tomorrow (Sunday), will run for one week and is open to anyone of any age.

The only requirement is that the activity must follow the government guidelines on exercise and social distancing, and staying local.

Participants are invited to come up with an activity based around the numbers 2.6 or 26, and set up an online fundraising page.

Nick Rusling, co-chairman of the Mass Participation Sports Organisers group, said: “You can run or walk 2.6 miles, 2.6km or for 26 minutes.

“You could do the same in your home or garden, go up and down the stairs 26 times, juggle for 2.6 minutes, do a 26-minute exercise class or get 26 people on a video call and do a 26-minute workout - anything you like.

“We want people to get active, have fun and raise money to help save the UK’s charities by giving money or by raising funds for the charity close to your heart.”

More information on The 2.6 Challenge, and details of how to sign up to fundraise, are available here.