THE annual Mad March Hare fundraising event will be virtual this year.

Since starting in 2008, the fitness challenge has raised over £123,500 for Breast Cancer Now. The 2021 event will take place throughout March and participants can sign up and complete it virtually.

Event organiser Margaret Nicholson said: "This year will be very different for us but we have been offering virtual runs for the past few years and have always had great support from around the world with people taking part from as far away as Australia.

"We are looking forward to another fantastic event this March.

"This year we can reach far more people with their challenge to complete the 5km or 10km distance by walking, jogging or running to raise money for Breast Cancer Now."

Charities, have been hit hard by the impact of Covid 19 and support is needed now more than ever.

Mad March Hare volunteer Esther Newman said: "As a past participant of the event, the virtual event is a great way to include more people, challenging people to maintain their fitness and get out of the house in the fresh air has never been more important.

"Not only is it a great way to keep physically active it is also good for our mental health too.

"I would encourage people to take advantage of our Bubble offer for £60 and sign up as a group of 6 and get the whole family involved.

"The last year has been difficult for everyone and we hope this year people come out and support us, get dressed up, take the children out and complete the virtual event.

"Having a goal is always a good motivation to keep active and all participants will receive a finisher medal. Participants can also join our Strava team to upload their evidence."

All of the registration fee goes to charity and extra money can be raised by runners asking friends and family to sponsor them and donate via JustGiving.

Visit http://www.madmarchhare.org.uk to join the event and find links to the JustGiving page and the Strava Team.

For more information, email info@madmarchhare.org.uk, call 0845 6808064, or visit @MadMarchHareSWN on Twitter and /www.facebook.com/madmarchhareswindonbreakthroughbreastcancer