Maccabi GB to hold virtual community fun run amid lockdown

Maccabi GB is to hold a virtual community fun run this year amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The event, entitled Maccabi GB Community Fun Run @ Home Online, will take place all day on 24 May to raise money for Jewish frontline organisations and carers.

Those taking part in the event can run, walk, hop and even skip a distance of either 1km, 5km or 10 km at home while abiding by the UK’s lockdown rules.

The 2020 fun run –  a highlight of the community’s calendar and significant source of income for charities – has been postponed to 27 June next year.

Last year’s event drew a record-breaking 7,500 participants.

“We were really sorry that we weren’t able to hold the actual Maccabi GB community fun run this year,” said Maccabi GB’s chief executive, Martin Berliner.

“We know not only how much fun the day is itself, but with over £2 million raised for Jewish charities since the first community fun run, the event is really important for our community’s fundraising. That is why we are delighted to be bringing this online version to the community to support our frontline services and community organisations,” he added.

Those taking part have been urged to share videos of their training sessions on social media using the hashtag #CFRonline and the social media handle @MGBCFR.

A virtual medal ceremony is to be held on 24 May, featuring downloadable running numbers.

Jewish Care is among those throwing their weight behind the online fun run.

Daniel Carmel-Brown, chief executive of the charity, said: “It’s wonderful that the community can still come together for an event that we have all come to know and love, and we hope that it will see lots of enthusiastic participants raise funds for the community’s frontline carers and other essential charities. We look forward to seeing as many people as possible joining in.”

To register for the online fun run, visit the page www.maccabigb.org/cfronline