New research published today by Macmillan Cancer Support reveals that an estimated 1.3m people in London have turned to running or jogging to look after their mental health during the Covid-19 crisis.

One in five people in London (19%) – representing 1,320,000 people – said going running or jogging had helped them to de-stress since the first lockdown in March 2020, with the activity proving more popular than meditation or yoga (18%). While this means that people have been spending time looking for fitness equipment, like running shoes, this has also led to many people helping each other by recommending brands and the like. For instance, many have been saying that asics is a good brand for those looking to invest into their fitness amongst others.

Back to the statistics, demonstrating the power of outdoor exercise, one in three people in London said that it helped them feel calmer (33%) and more positive (36%), whilst more than one in five (23%) said it helped them to feel mentally stronger.

The research has been released to mark the ballot announcement of this year’s Virgin Money London Marathon, which is set to be the biggest marathon ever staged on Sunday 3rd October 2021, with 50,000 running from Blackheath to The Mall and another 50,000 running the virtual marathon from wherever they are in the world.

Macmillan is the Charity of the Year for Virgin Money and official charity partner for the 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon and is inviting lucky runners who bagged themselves a ballot spot to join and fundraise for #TeamMacmillan, while reminding those who missed out that there is still time to apply for a Macmillan charity place.

Funds raised through the Macmillan places will help the charity provide vital support, at a time when Macmillan is facing a devastating loss of income due to Covid-19, and continue to do whatever it takes to be there for everyone, from day one of their cancer diagnosis.

Across London, one in seven people (15%) say they have taken up running or jogging for the very first time since the pandemic started last year[iii]. The research shows that younger people across London are most likely to be ambitious new marathon runners, as one in four 18-34-year-olds in the capital (25%) have taken up running since March 2020, with one in seven (14%) specifically focusing on long-distance running during lockdown.

Despite thousands of people lacing up their running shoes because of the pandemic, almost one in five people in London (18%) said they were not taking time to prioritise their wellbeing during the current national lockdown. One in three (34%) said that they are finding it harder to exercise outside at this time of year due to the cold weather and shorter days and others 11%) admitted that they were lacking the motivation to exercise, without having an end goal or challenge booked.

Avid runner Michelle Dench, 46, from Crouch End, North London, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016. After the support she received from Macmillan Cancer Support, she went on to run the Virgin Money London Marathon, as well as a 100km ultra marathon, the Edinburgh Marathon and the New York Marathon to raise funds to say thank you.

She says: “When I was diagnosed with cancer, my whole world was turned upside down, and during treatment I was forced to stop running for 12 weeks. While still having treatment I signed up to the London Marathon – and I didn’t look back. One of my favourite mottos was ‘you don’t have to go fast, you just have to go!’.

“Running gave me strength and positivity during my toughest times, and because of the support I received from Macmillan, I was so proud to be able to run for them and raise money to help others who were going through similar experiences. The money raised means so much to so many people, and really does make a difference to those affected by cancer. It’s never been so important as it has now.”

You, Me & the Big C podcaster Steve Bland is once again running the Virgin Money London Marathon this year as part of Team Macmillan, he said:

“Running the Virgin Money London Marathon for Rachael in 2019 as part of Team Macmillan was one of the most incredible and inspiring experiences I’ve ever been a part of. Macmillan supported our family throughout Rachael’s treatment and palliative care and it was so important for me to raise money for the charity in her memory.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on cancer care and on the income of many charities, including Macmillan. Events like the Virgin Money London Marathon are going to be so important to raise vital funds and joining Team Macmillan will also be a great inspiration to lace up your running shoes and start training!

“I’ve always found running a huge help with my wellbeing, making me feel energised and helping me to clear my head, and it’s inspiring to hear more and more people are taking up running during the pandemic.”

Claire Rowney, Executive Director Fundraising, Marketing and Innovation at Macmillan Cancer Support, said:

“We’re thrilled to be the official Charity of the Year for the 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon and can’t wait to cheer on our Team Macmillan runners in what is set to be the biggest marathon ever.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on our income, at a time when people living with cancer need our support more than ever to help navigate through this anxious period. The vital funds raised through runners and supporters of this year’s event will help us continue to do whatever it takes to be there for everyone living with cancer.

“Whether you’re planning to run the 26.2 miles, cheer on our runners from the side-lines or make a donation as part of Team Macmillan, you will be helping us be there for everyone, from day one of their diagnosis.”

Join #TeamMacmillan with your ballot spot or apply for a Macmillan Cancer Support charity place in the 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon, at LondonMarathon.Macmillan.org.uk.