A team of runners used technology to complete a relay marathon.

The virtual relay, which took place on April 11, was 26.2 miles and the distance was spread out between eight runners who live in Croxley Green and Rickmansworth.

Claire Casselton, who organised the relay, said she found the idea online and shared it with her friends.

She said: "I miss running socially so when I saw the idea of a virtual marathon relay, I thought it would be a great way to do something together, but apart."

Each runner set off on their own route once the previous participant had finished their distance. A "virtual baton" was then passed on via Whatsapp or another messaging app.

She added: "It was a wonderful way to connect with some running friends during the lockdown and very enjoyable way to spend the morning.

"With a very respectable team time of three hours and 53 minutes we were all awarded a virtual finisher medal."

Watford Observer:

The virtual marathon medal. Credit: Chris Lloyd.

Those involved in the marathon were Dr. Kevin Barrett, Cllr Chris Lloyd, Mrs Casselton, Rachel Wray, Dan Newman, John Jowers and Terri McMahon and Sarah Leveridge.

After the run, Kevin Barrett said: "We each did one eighth of a marathon so this means as a team we completed a whole marathon.

"Running has given me new friendships, fresh air, fitness and exercise, it is good for mental wellbeing and it has opened up a new world."

The runners will also do a 75km virtual marathon on May 8 to mark 75 years since VE Day.