GoodGym, a group of runners that combines regular exercise with helping their communities, will use the money to set up three new locations in Southwark, Lambeth and Greenwich.

Those who get involved with the projects across the three areas in England’s capital will benefit from special group runs for new members throughout the month of January, which will be free to enter and don’t require participants to register.

“We are very proud that our events have enabled participants to raise incredible amounts of money for a huge range of charities over the years but GoodGym is something different and probably the most innovative running club in the world," London Marathon Events event director Hugh Brasher said.

“It’s a different reason to lace up your shoes and one that benefits others as much as yourself.”

The increased funding will allow GoodGym, whose runners run to provide support to isolated older people or to do manual labour for a wide range of community projects, to continue their rapid expansion.

They hope to reach a further 20 cities in 2016 and currently have a membership of around 1,300.

The scheme was set up in 2009 with a view to getting runners involved in running while providing benefits to the local community.

“This is going to be huge,” GoodGym founder Ivo Gormley said.

"The London Marathon is an extraordinary, mammoth event and it’s brilliant that we have the support of the organisers to take GoodGym to the next level.   

“GoodGym is a really easy way to integrate doing something for your community into your exercise.

"If you’re already running then it might only take 15 minutes to change your route slightly and drop in to visit an isolated older person.

“Everyone wants to do a bit more exercise and everyone wants to get involved in the communities they live in.

"GoodGym means you can do both at the same time.

"If you’ve never really considered running before, or lack motivation, then the community that GoodGym provides and the different reason to run can be a really easy route in.”