Fears around the spread of Covid-19 saw the famous 26.2 mile running event cancelled this year. 

Instead, the public are being asked to complete any activity based around the numbers two and six for charity so long as it is within governmental lockdown restrictions. 

The initiative has been launched to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the London Marathon this year and to support charities which have lost a substantial fundraising opportunity.

Wendy Wu Tours global sales director John Warr told TTG more than 100 agents had now signed up, with the majority opting to raise money for the NHS.

Many participants are set to take part this weekend, with the marathon having initially been scheduled for Sunday (26 April).

Warr has created a dedicated Pulling Together For The NHS fundraising effort, which any participants can support here.

Agents are invited to take part and post pictures to the Wendy Wu Tours agent Facebook page.

Both Just a Drop and Abta LifeLine are also backing the effort.

"The 2.6 Challenge is a national initiative designed to bring everyone together to have some fun in the light of the current circumstances and raise money for good causes," said Fiona Jeffery, founder and chair of Just a Drop, which is currently working in Africa, Asia and Latin America to train people in handwashing and soap-making.

She added: "The coronavirus outbreak is affecting everyone, everywhere, but imagine trying to defend yourself against the virus when you don’t have access to proper handwashing facilities and soap or attend health clinics with no running water and adequate sanitation. That is scary!"

Visit www.justadrop.org/Event/26-challenge to find out more.