by Gemma Delaney

Since its inception in April, the virtual relay race, ‘Pay-It-Forward Sprint’, has seen participation surge from runners worldwide. A group of friends in Nottingham initiated the charity event with the dual purpose of raising funds for UNICEF and creating a communal outlet for fitness enthusiasts amidst the pandemic-enforced isolation.

Pay-It-Forward Sprint: One Race, Many Stories

In a display of unity and goodwill, over 1,200 runners from 31 countries, representing all continents (yes, even Antartica!) have participated in regular weekly sprints. These global runners have found purpose and a sense of community, using the relay race as a means to connect and stay active during these challenging times.

Origin Story

The relay initiative originated as a response to the London Marathon’s cancellation due to COVID-19. The friends devised a substitute event, allowing runners to complete an equal section of a marathon course, sharing their progress on a dedicated social media platform.

Each week, the relay developed in complexity and magnitude. The initial 26.2-mile route quickly transformed into a 24-hour race involving 48 runners worldwide, each completing a 5.2km run within half an hour, thereby giving the ‘Pay-It-Forward Sprint’ its unique identity.

Running Towards Global Unity

Now in its 12th week, this digital initiative binds runners aged between 6 and 55, consolidating a weekly relay race, the ‘Pay-It-Forward Sprint’, which takes place every Sunday. During this race, three groups of 48 runners collectively cover a distance of 250km over 24 hours. The supportive online community of sprinters extends far and wide, encouraging an environment of fun, friendships, and shared workout soundtracks and videos.

Paying Forward to UNICEF

The relay’s creator and financial director at a coffee roastery based in Nottingham, have chosen UNICEF as the event’s charity. The organization’s global efforts to improve the lives of children affected by the pandemic resonated with the founders who aimed to connect global communities whilst also contributing to a noble cause.

Observing the relay’s evolution into not just a fitness event, but a ‘space for people to connect’, the creators constantly find themselves stunned by the level of engagement. ‘Watching runners strive to achieve personal bests, especially under current circumstances, certainly hammers home the idea that, even online, fitness and community can intertwine beautifully,’ they express.

Get Involved

‘Pay-It-Forward Sprint’s’ success is defined not only by the £6,000 raised for UNICEF, but also the stories of friendships made, fitness challenges obliterated, and an ever-growing global community carrying the relay baton with pride.

Regardless of fitness levels, the initiative encourages potential sprinters to sign up for the relay. The goal: to continue inspiring others and expanding the initiative’s reach. Participants wishing to donate to UNICEF as part of the Pay-It-Forward Sprint can do so by visiting the event’s funding page.

virtual relay races, UNICEF, global community, running community, Pay-It-Forward Sprint, fitness during pandemic, online running, Nottingham, London Marathon