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Long-Distance Running in the Time of Coronavirus: Southampton Man Does Marathon in Yard

A runner from Southhampton decided to improvise during a time of coronavirus restrictions and complete a marathon in his backyard on March 28, livestreaming it for the world to see.

This footage shows Gareth Allen running 1,066 laps in his garden. According to running enthusiast site Runners World, this was a goal that Allen set for himself to match the distance of a full marathon, which is 138,336 feet. Gareth’s garden measures 130 feet — making 1,064 laps equal the magic number.

“I have actually rounded it up to 1066 … and I will be changing direction every 100 laps," Allen told Runners World.

Allen’s efforts received nearly 300,000 views and over 14,000 reactions on Facebook, with commentators pointing out his creativity and perseverance during a period of social distancing. Credit: Gareth Allen via Storyful