Virtual HARP24: How far can you run in 24 hours?

Calling all runners! We've launched our Virtual HARP24, an adapted version of south Essex’s 24-hour running festival, HARP24.

The 24-hour challenge starts at midday on Saturday 19 June and finishes at midday on Sunday 20 June, with solo runners and teams aiming to run as many miles as they can during that 24-hour period.

Why Virtual?

HARP24 is a unique annual event welcoming all abilities from ultra-marathoners to fun runners.

We had been truly hoping that we would be able to get back to "business as usual" for this year's HARP24, which usually takes place in the grounds of Westliff Rugby Club, with a 4.2 mile lap around the beautiful Cherry Orchard Country Park.

However, there will still be some restrictions in place on the planned weekend of HARP24 even in the best-case scenario, and it’s still possible that more restrictions could be introduced depending on the status of the virus in the UK over the coming months.

That's why we have decided to make this year's HARP24 a virtual experience to enable as many people as possible to take part.

This means that we're postponing HARP24 2021 for another year but, in the meantime, we'd love to see you on the Virtual HARP24.

Dina Jobson, our Head of Fundraising, said:

“We’re sad not to be able to get back to normal this year. But we hope that taking HARP24 virtual will allow as many people as possible to take part in what is usually our biggest fundraising event of the year, and adapt it to whatever restrictions may be in place at the time.

"It’s impossible to duplicate the fantastic energy that created every year at the Westcliff Rugby Club, but we hope that the virtual HARP24 will be a chance for people to get involved and run in solidarity with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in and around Southend. We plan to come back bigger and better for HARP24 2022!”

To find all the details and sign up, visit the HARP24 website: www.harp24.org.uk.