Young Londoners ran over 7,000km as part of the London Youth Games’ Virtual Spring Run, a two-week competition designed to encourage young people back to sport following the third lockdown.

Virtual Spring Run, which ran from 10th May to 24th May, provided young Londoners with the opportunity to get active and represent their boroughs as they prepare for a return to face-to-face sport.

Participants could run any distance from 0.5km to 5km, with their distance counting towards an overall borough score.

The inclusive event allowed for young Londoners to complete their distance running, walking, in a wheelchair, or with assistance.

The competition attracted a total of 2,880 entries with participants covering an incredible 7293.5km – the distance from London to China!

Haringey top the borough standings having covered the greatest distance, followed by Kensington & Chelsea in second and Lambeth in third.

“We are delighted that so many young Londoners were able to take part in our Virtual Spring Run competition,” said LYG CEO, Andy Dalby-Welsh. “The number of participants and the distance they’ve travelled is amazing.

“Congratulations to Haringey, our winning borough, and to all the young people who got involved. Sport and physical activity is so important to our young people’s physical and mental wellbeing, and running is an excellent way to keep active and benefit your mental health.”

“We are totally delighted,” said Burk Gravis, CEO of Haringey Sports Development Trust. “Virtual events like this are so important as they give every youngster the opportunity of competing for their Borough. Running is a simple sport, one foot in front of the other, but it breeds confidence, improves health and brings people together.”

Individual prizes were also up for grabs as part of The 3km Challenge. The fastest 3km runners were Jacob Taylor from Southwark and Ellen Weir from Merton. Both will receive a medal and a pair of Nike running trainers.

For more information about Virtual Spring Run and to view the final borough standings, please visit: https://www.londonyouthgames.org/virtual-games/