Still time to compete in Council's 5k and 8k Running Challenge

The 'Road to Running' initiative, in partnership with the Public Health Agency and Sport NI, is open to all levels of runners and may be of particular interest to beginners and those relatively new to the sport.

Participants can complete a 5k or 8k run at a time and venue that suits them and have the option of signing up for a t shirt and medal for a fee of £10 with proceeds going towards Aurora Counselling, the chosen charity of Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Brian Tierney.

Mayor Tierney urged the public to sign up for the initiative and give themselves a challenge to work towards for the remainder of the month.

"The 'Road to Running' challenge is an ideal way to encourage people of all ages to get active and set themselves the challenge of completing their first 5k or 8k run," he said.

"The restrictions to prevent the spread of Covid 19 have led to the cancellation of scores of athletics events locally so this is a great change to give yourself something to prepare for and a challenge you can complete at a venue and time that suits you.

"I would appreciate if people can sign up for the t shirt and medal option as a portion of the funds will go to my chosen charity Aurora Counselling who have lost many of their revenue streams during the current crisis."

Sports Development Officer at Derry City and Strabane District Council, Ryan Porter, added:

"This initiative follows the success of our EBA Family 2k Challenge earlier this year where hundreds of local families completed a 2k run during lock down," he said.

"The 5k run is targeted at beginners and those relatively new to running while the 8k challenge is for those who have maybe completed a 5k and are now looking for the next challenge.

"The 8k challenge is perfect for those looking to complete a 10k or even a half marathon in the not too distant future.”

The 5k virtual race will take place between August 29th and 7th September.

The 8k virtual race will take place between September 12th and 21st. For further information and to register visit derrystrabane.com/roadtorunning.