They're off but Covid-19 has put some distance between this picture and a 2020 event enjoyed by Atherstone charity fundraisers

THE OFFICE ABBOTT FUN RUN GOES AHEAD TODAY BUT DUE TO LOCKDOWN YOU'VE A WHOLE SEVEN DAYS TO COMPETE FIVE KILOMETRE CHALLENGE

HUNDREDS OF PARTICIPANTS NORMALLY LINING UP AT THE START CAN ENJOY TAKING THEIR TIME THIS YEAR, AND NO ONE NEEDS TO WATCH YOU DOING IT

A LAST-MINUTE plea has gone out to charity-conscious Atherstone and district not to let Covid-19 stop an annual North Warwickshire event reaching a magnificent milestone for Cancer Research UK.

Organisers of The Office Abbott Fun Run – now in its seventh year – are still aiming to get as close as they can to the £100,000 fundraising mark.

They had big things planned – including a summer ball – to get the current total of £76,018 up to the six-figure sum until lockdown restrictions forced the cancellation of the 2020 main event last month.

But event founder Andrew Marven was determined the virus was not going to stop the fundraising for a national charity which has seen its earning capacity "decimated" as a result of the pandemic.

The Warton pub director pressed ahead with an alternative.

A plan was hatched to retain its main element – the five kilometre challenge – while ensuring Government regulations wouldn't stop it going ahead.

Hence, The Office Abbott 'Socially Distanced' Fun Run was born – and at 1pm today, the starting gun fired to see it underway.

So how will it now work?

It's simple.

Any time from now until next Sunday – July 19 – participants can complete the five kilometres, either running, jogging or walking.

And there's a variety of ways to reach the same goal – raising money for Cancer Research.

Those taking part can use the usual route from Polesworth Garage and finish at The Office pub; or take a route near to a participant's home; or do it in the back garden.

"Feel free to do it all in one go, or a bit per day," added Mr Marven. "There are a whole host of way to take part."

Entry fee is normally £10 which includes receiving a tee-shirt and a medal.

"This year it's straightforward – a £5 entry fee, take part and send a photo or video or just send a fiver," he added.

"In return you'll receive a unique Covid-19 Fun Run certificate."

The fun run was started in 2014 because Mr Marven lost his father to cancer and he wanted to "do something special" to keep supporting the research charity.

It was initially to be a 'one-off' event but due to a Warton police officer – Sergeant Karen Abbott – it became an annual fundraiser.

She persuaded him to it every year.

Sadly the Staffordshire police officer lost a personal battle to cancer in March 2016 and as a mark of respect the event saw her name included in its title.

To register your interest in doing the event, email [email protected] or just click here to donate.