8 year old Zach runs a lockdown marathon for Children on the Edge.

1/6/2020

8 year old Zach Evans

In April the team behind the London Marathon started a new virtual fundraising event, the 2.6 Challenge. Created in response to thousands of fundraising events, including the London Marathon, being cancelled or postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

8 year old Zach Evans was inspired to take part in the 2.6 challenge after seeing his cousin complete his own version of the challenge, cycling 2.6 marathons in 2.6 days. Zach enjoyed following his cousin’s progress and thought it was an amazing idea so decided to challenge himself by running a marathon over 10 days and raising as much money as he could for Children on the Edge.

Zach chose to fundraise for Children on the Edge, as he wanted to help other children who were less fortunate than himself. He realised that like him, children were dealing with coronavirus in other countries too, but for some refugee families, lockdown doesn't just mean staying inside, it means having to find food to survive or face possible starvation.

At the start of his challenge Zach set himself a fundraising target of £250 and was unsure if he’d be able to raise anywhere near this figure. He was blown away by everyone’s support and generosity which enabled him to smash his target, raising over £1500.

On the final day of his challenge, some of Zach’s friends and family came to cheer him to the finish line. Zach says: “It was tiring and hard but it felt good and I was amazed at how much money was raised." Now he’s completed his marathon challenge Zach is enjoying a well earned rest and says ”my legs are a bit achey!”

Zach crossing the finish line on the final day of his challenge.

Children on the Edge Fundraising Officer, Jordan Day said “We want to say a huge well done and thank you to Zach for completing his marathon 2.6 challenge and his fantastic fundraising. It’s been brilliant to see so many people taking part in the 2.6 Challenge for Children on the Edge, there’s been such a variety in the challenges that our supporters have come up with. Their fantastic efforts have helped us provide emergency food parcels for families in India, Bangladesh, Lebanon and Uganda who have been hit hardest by lockdown. Thank you to everyone who took part in the 2.6 Challenge for Children on the Edge.”

Read more about Zach’s 2.6 Challenge in this Chichester Observer article

The 2.6 Challenge might have finished but Children on the Edge has a brand new virtual fundraising event taking place this summer - 12,000 Steps for 12,000 Children.
Find out how you can help support 12,000 refugee children by getting involved with our new event.