COVID-19 42.2KMS in 42HRS
COVID-19 42.2KM IN 42HRS – 1st May – 3rd May 2020
A simple idea to bring a community together during the COVID-19 pandemic isolation phase, grew exponentially taking the event organisers Shannon & Joanne Lum by overwhelming surprise.
The basic concept was for participants to complete a marathon (42.2km) distance fun run within 42hrs. The imaginary start gun went off at 6.00pm on Friday the 1st of May and would conclude at 12.00pm on Sunday the 3rd May. There were no entry fees or distance cut off times, you could jog, hike, skip, crawl or run reaching the desired distance at your peril. Minimal event guidelines allowed for the marathon to be an all-inclusive, affordable challenge to engage all walks of life from around the world.
Gathering 
momentum over two short weeks, the participant numbers grew from 50 – 60 from the local community of Baulkham hills, Sydney, to a whopping 11 500 world-wide. 42.2KM in 42HRS fun run challenge engaged people from 74 countries consisting of 100 cities. It was evident the cancellation of all sporting events and gatherings had starved us of human interaction and we were all craving some form of unity. This challenge would be completed in isolation with varied government guidelines to adhere to depending on the country and/or state you reside. Most participants would complete the distance solo with the accountability of their Garmin and virtual community to keep the spirits high and their mind on the set task.
Designing and supplying a medal to mark a moment in history and uniting the world was a privilege. To participate in the event as a runner was extraordinary, however reading and following the stories of others, the injuries they overcame, the mental battles, the uncertainty as to whether or not they could even complete such a feat, was by far the most inspiring and satisfying component of the challenge. These stories encompassed the exact reason Shannon & Jo came up with the idea. Supporting and bantering with strangers across the globe was unique and heart-warming and for all involved something we will remember for a life time.
Many thanks to the fitness duo, Jo & Shannon for brining likeminded people together in these uncertain times, united, we're all in this together.
Next Challenge 19KM | 42.2KM | 61.2KM in 42HRS
Run With the World on 5th -7th June 2020
Who’s In???