Coronavirus: Runners rally for charity in makeshift London Marathon

Thousands across the UK have taken part in a unique edition of the popular London Marathon.

The event was postponed, due to the pandemic, but that didn't stop would-be runners taking on other creative challenges instead and their efforts ensured vital money was still raised for charity.

The London Marathon is not just the world's most famous long distance race - it's also one of the largest one-day fundraising events of the year. 

With the race postponed, due to COVID-19, a third of the UK's charities were faced with closure.

The fundraising is about trying to try and help plug the hole," says race director Hugh Brasher. "The £4 billion [NZ$8.2m] hole." 

Celebrities added their star power to the cause.

Real Madrid footballer Gareth Bale recreated his famous overhead goal from the couch, while the man whose name is synonymous with the London race - world record holder Eliud Kipchoge - opted for 26 box steps at home in Kenya instead.

Not quite his usual pace, but with millions of dollars raised for charity, 2020 will surely be one for the record books.

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