The annual Cancer Research UK London Winter Run is the UK’s most successful 10k event, with 25,000 people taking part annually since its launch in 2015. With the traditional central London event looking impossible due to COVID-19 restrictions, a special digital version of the run will be held, with runners of all ages and abilities encouraged to take part free of charge in their local area.

This special ‘Virtual Winter Run 2021’ challenge will combine state-of-the-art technology and much-loved Winter Run fun, allowing runs to be completed in any location. Participants will be able to earn a heap of exclusive rewards, including the iconic Winter Run finisher medal, by tracking runs virtually and fundraising for Cancer Research UK’s life-saving research. The challenge will climax with the nation running 10k together on Sunday 7^th February at 10am.

Nick Rusling, CEO of organisers Human Race, is excited by the opportunities a digital edition offers: “Every year we have to turn away thousands of runners who want to join in because we are limited by our capacity. This time we are opening up the start line to everybody, whatever their background or ability, and that’s why it was important to us this was free of charge. We very much hope to be giving out a record number of rewards to inspired runners, especially those who might otherwise have been inactive during a very tough time for us all.”

Cancer Research UK has been the official partner of the Winter Run for the last six years, and it is facing the greatest challenge in its recent history. COVID-19 is threatening to severely impact research and make Cancer Research UK’s ambition of improving cancer survival to 3 in 4 by 2034 more difficult. Each participant of the Virtual Winter Run 2021 will be asked to fundraise whatever they can, with a range of rewards on offer.

Simon Ledsham, director of communities at Cancer Research UK, said: “2020 has been an incredibly difficult year for everyone. Cancer Research UK’s fundraising has been hit hard. But we’re adapting our fundraising activity wherever possible to ensure our work can continue and by hosting a virtual Winter Run event in February, we hope more people than ever will take part.

“One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives, so it’s vital that we continue to raise money for life-saving research into prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

“We need support now more than ever and by taking part in the Virtual Winter Run 2021, participants will have a real impact; together we will still beat cancer.”

Free registration into the 2021 Winter Run is now open, and there really will be snow virtual event like it. Dash around the streets like a huskie, or clock up the miles in ice-o-lation on a treadmill, and watch as your miles automatically update on the website. For more information and to sign up head to virtualwinterrun.co.uk