This year's Jersey Marathon might be cancelled, but runners are being encouraged to go the distance in a new challenge instead.

The annual event, usually staged in early October and attracting hundreds of athletes and amateurs had to be called off because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Organisers have announced a 'Run from Home' challenge to replace it.

Following our update that the Jersey Marathon will not go ahead in 2020 due to the ongoing Government restrictions, we are pleased to announce that we will be launching the Standard Chartered Jersey Marathon - Run From Home Challenge! More info and registration coming soon! 🏃 pic.twitter.com/Ql4YKxqnA9

— Jersey Marathon (@Jersey_Marathon) August 28, 2020

The challenge will take place during the first two weeks of October.

Runners can choose from four distances to complete:

• The Marathon distance - those brave enough can take on the full 26.3 miles in one consecutive run, or for those who wish to spread the miles can do so over two or three consecutive day.
• The New Half Marathon - a consecutive run in one day.
• The Ravenscroft Relay Race -  teams of five runners will take on the marathon distance, split over five varying distances. There will be a live 'grand finale' on the 14th October on Jersey's Waterfront, seeing the fastest 30 Jersey based teams to qualify for the 'Ravenscroft Jersey Cup'.
• The Marathon Mile - All ages (6 years+) and abilities are invited to take part with friends and family, and you can even wear fancy dress.

Money raised will go to Standard Chartered Bank's Futuremakers - a global initiative to tackle inequality, and St John Ambulance.

Henry Bray says it's important to support the volunteers of the first-aid charity at this time:

"Its volunteers play a vital role in responding to the medical care needs of our local community, even more so in the current coronavirus environment.

“We’re very proud and delighted to be able to support the charity on its journey to encourage a new generation of volunteers, who deliver first-aid education to the residents of our dear Island."

The Jersey Marathon plans to come back in 2021, with anyone who has already entered having their entries carried over to next years event at no extra cost.