Home 2k running challenge aims to bring Derry families together when they're apart

Are you up for the 2k COVID-19 lockdown challenge?

The 2k Family Home Run event on Saturday, May 9, will challenge families to complete a two kilometre run or walk and share a family photograph on social media when they finish using the hashtag #DCSDCHomeRun.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Colr. Michaela Boyle, said the initiative can encourage people to remain active and connected during the current restrictions to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

"While the priority at the moment is to stay at home and save lives, it is still important, for those who are able, to do regular exercise," she said.

"The internet has played a key role in bringing people together while they are apart during this crisis through video conferencing and social media.

"The 2k Family Home Run is an innovative way for people to stay connected and feel involved in an event while reaping the health benefits of exercise.

"I'd like to encourage families to take part in the initiative and to be mindful of social distancing and other people using parks and greenways when taking part.

"I look forward to enjoying the images on social media on Saturday May 9."

Sports Development Officer at Derry City and Strabane District Council, Ryan Porter, added: "Sport and physical activity is essential to our physical and mental wellbeing, our sense of positivity and our long term health.

"We want to continue supporting responsible sport and physical activity participation while minimising the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.

"On Saturday May 9th we are challenging you to run or walk 2k at a time that suits you, we have designed a training schedule with some tips on warms up and stretching along the way."

When you have completed the run send a photo on Facebook to any one of the leisure centres Facebook pages using the hashtag #DCSDCHomeRun.

Council's Leisure Centres are Foyle Arena, Templemore Sports Complex, Riversdale Leisure Centre, Melvin Sports Complex, Derg Valley Leisure Centre and City Baths and Brooke Park.

If you don't have Facebook just use the hashtag #DCSDCHomeRun on Instagram or Twitter and we will pick it up from there.

Families who complete the challenge will be sent out a certificate and medal.

Participants should ensure you are only running with people in your household or alone.

If you have the space you can run in your garden, our programme is tailored to allow you to train in small spaces.

Where possible, pick a time that will be quiet if you are walking/running outside and please adhere to social distancing and stay more than two metres away from other walkers / runners.

The Everybody Active 2020 team within Council will be running a number of fun initiatives over the coming weeks to help keep families fit and healthy.

Updated details of Council's services during the COVID-19 crisis are available at derrystrabane.com/coronavirus.