The countdown is on for the Destination Basingstoke Phillips Virtual Races.

While 2020 has been a very challenging time for everyone, the innovative team at Destination Basingstoke with the support of Phillips has not been outdone by the coronavirus pandemic, replacing the regular Half Marathon and 10K run with a one-off virtual event.

Instead of around 1,000 people pounding the roads from Basingstoke’s War Memorial Park to the gruelling hills of Cliddesden, Ellisfield and Farleigh Wallop, runners can now choose wherever they would like to participate.

No doubt many will avoid the likes of the Big Dipper on the regular set course and choose a less demanding route. Fortunately, the Basingstoke area offers plenty of beautiful places to run.

It is hoped that the virtual event, which includes a marathon distance, will encourage more people of all abilities to take part safely and still enjoy the challenge of undertaking a real race.

Entrants can run 26.2 miles, 13.1 miles or 10k between 4^th October and 18^th October.

Once you have decided on your route, take a photo of your watch, phone or just write your name, time, date and distance on a piece of paper and take a photo of it.

You can run the distance in more than one session and add the times together to get your final time for the distance.

However, to be included in the leader board of results, you must complete the 10K in one go, the half marathon in a maximum of two runs and the full marathon in three runs.

Click here for full details about the Virtual Races, including the sign-up page.

As headline sponsor we at Phillips are looking to enter a team of runners, while at the same time raising money for our charity of the year, Sebastian’s Action Trust via our fundraising page.

Phillips director Jack Gardener said: “This would have been the 10th anniversary of the Basingstoke Half Marathon and it is a real shame that we will not be able to participate together and celebrate what has become a firm fixture in the local calendar.”

“We really hope that the Basingstoke community will get involved in the virtual event and help raise funds for charity.”

If you would like to run with Team Phillips please contact our marketing manager Richard Garfield by emailing [email protected]