5KMay – Libraries Unlimited partners with Run For Heroes for new charity challenge

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 completely 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 Libraries Unlimited 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 charity.

Libraries Unlimited has partnered with Run For Heroes to host 5KMay, with participants encouraged to consider donating to Libraries Unlimited after completing their challenge.

Julie Bladon, Marketing and Fundraising Manager said: “Libraries Unlimited is proud to be partnering with Run For Heroes for the 5KMay challenge.  This is a fun and inclusive way for people to get involved and to raise money for Libraries Unlimited.  As with all charities, we have seen our charitable donations and income streams such as room hire, in-person events and cafes, decline significantly over the last year.”

“We love that we are hosting 5KMay and this event will help us to get back on track and raise valuable funds to support our work in our local communities.”

“Please do support our campaign, encourage your friends and family to take part.  Share your progress and successes on social media and tag us so we can support each other in this challenge.”

You can take part on your own or as a group, donate your £5 to Libraries Unlimited, 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 5kMay journey.

Sign up to the challenge at bit.ly/Libraries-Unlimited-5k-May now!

Libraries Unlimited is the charity responsible for running Devon and Torbay Libraries.  Libraries Unlimited is registered with the Fundraising Regulator.