Runners with their sights set on this year's London Marathon are being invited to join The Donkey Sanctuary's team, fundraising for the charity.

This year the London event, sponsored by Virgin Money, will take place on Sunday, October 3 – and there's also a virtual marathon in which runners take part remotely, choosing their own 26.2-mile route.

The Donkey Sanctuary has four participants already signed up for the real-life event and there are places for five more – as well as a further five in the virtual marathon.

All those taking part for The Donkey Sanctuary will receive a branded running vest in Team Donkey Sanctuary colours and will be supported throughout their training in the lead-up to the event. London participants are expected to raise a minimum of £2,000 in sponsorship for the charity, while those taking part in the virtual marathon are expected to raise a minimum of £250.

On completing their run they will receive a 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon New Balance finisher's T-shirt and an official medal.

Rose Huxham, Community Fundraising Officer at The Donkey Sanctuary, said: "With several runners already signed up, we hope others will join our amazing team of athletic fundraisers and take part in the London Marathon for us this year.

"Their valuable support means so much. The money raised will allow us to be there for donkeys in greatest need, here in the UK and around the world."

For more details on how to sign up to The Donkey Sanctuary's London Marathon team, click here.