A CHESTER children’s charity is seeking runners who are willing to go the extra mile this October.

Children Today, which supports disabled children and young people with funding for specialised equipment, has three places available for anyone who wants to raise crucial funds while making history as part of the world’s first 100,000-person marathon.

Participants can lace up and take on the 26.2 miles virtually on Sunday, October 3, wherever they are in the world, as part of this year's Virtual Virgin Money London Marathon.

There are a number of different ways to get involved, whether that’s running, rolling, jogging, pushing, walking – as long as the distance is completed within 24 hours.

Event registration for the Virtual London Marathon has completely sold out to the public, so this is the perfect opportunity to get involved while raising money and playing a part in changing lives for the better.

Alternatively, people can choose to enter this year's Chester Marathon, which is also on October 3, and for which places are still available, and choose to raise much-needed funds for Children Today.

The small charity, which has confirmed spaces on the Virtual London Marathon for the first time, has received more applications for vital pieces of adapted equipment than ever before during the Covid-19 pandemic.

It currently has 21 vulnerable families on its waiting list who are in urgent need of life-changing equipment, which often has the power to open up a world of opportunities for not just an individual, but their loved ones too.

For instance, Isla, from Chester, who has a rare genetic condition and complex learning difficulties, recently received an adapted trike thanks to Children Today.

The family are now finally able to go on bike rides, bringing them closer together whilst getting some crucial fresh air and exercise.

Many families across the UK have experienced an increased sense of isolation during the pandemic and have faced limitations on what they can do. For families with disabled children, this sense of isolation has been heightened without access to the right equipment at home.

Emma Prescott, charity director of Children Today Charitable Trust, said: “In the past year we’ve been inundated with enquiries from families desperate to be more mobile and active, but held back by the lack of the equipment they need to get out and about.

“We’re thrilled to have a number of spaces in the biggest marathon ever staged in the world and we’re on the lookout for a handful of dedicated people to take part in the virtual event.

“The funds raised will go towards funding much-needed pieces of specialised equipment for children and young people with disabilities across the UK. With the fundraising target for each participant set at £200, a minimum of £600 raised could help provide a severely autistic 10-year-old boy, who is currently on our waiting list, with a much-needed specially adapted trike to enable him to get out of the house safely and feel much less isolated.

“We depend on the generosity and kindness of strangers to continue doing what we do, any involvement whether that’s taking on the challenge yourself or even sharing this article with a family member or friend - it all makes such a big difference so thank you.”

Hugh Brasher, event director of London Marathon Events, says: “With the national vaccination programme under way, we are delighted to announce our exciting plans for the world’s first 100,000-person marathon.

“The London Marathon is the most popular marathon on the planet, with a world record 457,861 people applying in the ballot for a place in the 2020 event, and the incredible success of the 2020 virtual event shows the huge appetite to be part of the world’s greatest marathon.”

Participants have until August 19 to sign up and registration costs £25 per person. Each participant, who will have a fundraising target of £200, will receive their official finisher medal and t-shirt after the event.