AN avid runner has taken drastic measures to help an annual Barnsley race keep going – despite the ongoing lockdown measures.
The Barnsley Boundary Relay Race was created more than 25 years ago and spans the boundary of the borough, almost 73 miles.
Each year in June, teams compete to see who can race the boundary in the shortest time and due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic the race was cancelled.
Penistone Footpath Runners member, Gareth Cooke, 26, who has taken part in the race for the past four years, came up with a novel way of continuing the race despite lockdown restrictions.
“Usually the race would take place on one day,” said Gareth, of Locke Avenue, Barnsley. “This year the race will span a week.
“Entrants can run the same distance as they would on the relay itself but can run it at home or on their leg of the boundary provided they maintain social distancing.
“Each team will then submit their time and we will find a winner from there.”
Through the relay race, Gareth is also raising money for the Barnsley Hospital Charity and hopes to raise £1,000.
“I am asking everyone who wants to take part to donate their entry fee to the Just Giving page I have created,” added Gareth. “Usually the money would be donated to the Barnsley Rotary Club, but given the circumstances now I thought it would be better used by the Barnsley Hospital Charity.”
The virtual relay race will take place from June 11-16.
To donate, click here.
