Strava is encouraging runners from around the globe to help set the World Record for most half marathons run in a single day on Sunday 10th September 2017.
Strava has partnered with the Simplyhealth Great North Run, the world’s largest half marathon. Together, they’re encouraging runners to put on their running shoes and take on 13.1 miles digitally. Currently, over 50,000 runners have pledged their support to take part in the challenge on the Strava Challenge page.
“We’ve seen every year how the Great North Run captures the imagination of the nation, and is a great achievement for tens of thousands of runners in the UK,” says Gareth Mills, UK Country Manager at Strava. “Using Strava, as the social network for athletes, we wanted to carry the atmosphere and sense of achievement on Sunday in the North East to other areas of the UK and the rest of the world. It doesn’t matter where you are, or how fast you go, we want runners everywhere to join in and help us make history in setting this World Record.”
Jeffrey Roberts, a runner from Kansas, USA, and one of the 50,000 already signed up to take part, said ahead of the challenge: “I will attempt this as my first non-stop half marathon in over 15 years. Last time I did it was on a high school track; it would be a pretty awesome milestone for me if I can pull it off. Wish me luck.”
Susie Chan, a runner based in the UK, is taking part in the Great North Run and said: “13.1 miles is no easy feat, but imagine being part of a huge global half marathon challenge. If you think you can run a half marathon - why not take the challenge with Strava who are trying to create the world’s biggest digital half marathon on the same day as the Great North Run.”
To take part, runners need to just download the free Strava App, select the challenge and run 13.1 miles or more. All participants will receive a digital finisher's badge and be part of history.
