Gold medallist Sir Mo Farah has urged people to take part in a ‘Million Mile Challenge’ to raise money for charity.

Kickstarting the first mile of his 2020 training, the four-time Olympic champion is calling on people in Watford to “ditch the excuses, shake off the post-Christmas slump and take a ‘mo’ to complete a mile for charity”.

Energetic locals can visit the Village Gym in Watford  to walk, run, cycle, swim or even Zumba a mile.

People can also take part in fitness classes including Spin, Cycle, Trip and Treadmill -  where all miles will be converted and added to the 'million-milometer'.

To encourage children to also take part, one-off children’s classes will be hosted in the hotel's shared spaces on selected days after school and on weekends such as Kids Olympics and Dodgeball.  

Sir Mo Farah said: “Inspiring people to be active will always be important to me and I want the nation to use the new year as an excuse to get fit.

“I hope everyone gets behind Village’s Million Mile Challenge – just one mile can make a difference, and you will be doing something amazing for kids in your local area.” 

Farah is aiming to raise £100,000 from the challenge for children’s charity The Youth Sport Trust in partnership with the Village Hotel Club in Watford.

Village Gym will be opening the doors to its 30 clubs nationwide for the challenge, which will run until January 19.

Village Hotel Club Watford General Manager, Joel May, added: “With the help of Mo, one of the country’s most inspirational athletes, we’re calling on the Watford community to join us in hitting our million-mile target, with however many miles they can – whether that’s one or a hundred!

“We remain committed to nurturing and investing in Watford, encouraging and supporting them to lead a fitter and healthier lifestyle. We’re proud to be working with the Youth Sport Trust to help ensure all children get to experience the life-changing benefits that come from play and sport both in Watford and across the country.’’