Take part in 5k May

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that the smallest things can make the biggest impact and there’s no better example of that than Run for Heroes. That’s the charity which started the infamous 5km running challenge – Run 5, Donate 5, Nominate 5 – during the first lockdown.

What started as a plan to raise £5,000 for NHS charities at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic went viral on social media, becoming a major fitness motivation and fundraising tool for more than a million people.

Since its humble beginnings in 2020, Run For Heroes has raised more than £7 million for NHS Charities and founder Olivia Strong has been awarded an MBE.

After the success of the original fundraiser, the nation is once again being encouraged to get active in the name of charity as lockdown restrictions continue to ease. Run for Heroes is launching its latest challenge by turning the month of May into a celebration of physical activity with their 5kMay campaign. Everyone is invited to take part, including Oxfordshire Mind supporters.

As the name suggests, it’s all about getting fit and hitting that 5km target. It’s not just about running though – you could walk, roll, skip or even swim your 5 kilometres if you wish! All that matters is getting your body moving and raising vital funds for a charity of your choosing.

Run For Heroes has partnered with a host of charities across the UK for 5kMay, including Oxfordshire Mind, with participants encouraged to consider donating the charity after completing their challenge.

You can take part on your own or as a group, donate your £5 to Oxfordshire Mind here, then nominate 5 friends or family members to complete their own 5km challenge.

With famous faces like Mo Farah, Ellie Goulding and even Prime Minister Boris Johnson backing previous Run For Heroes challenges, you may even spot a celebrity while out on your 5k May journey.