Health walks at night are ‘Olympic inspired’, say council

FANCY walking your way to the Olympic Games? As part of an Essex Legacy project to promote good health and exercise members of the public are being invited to a one-off night hike across Chelmsford.

The Borough Council’s Heart & Sole Team will lead a six-mile health walk around the town on Friday September 23 at 8pm.

Throughout 2011 the Heart & Sole walkers have been taking part in ‘Walking your Way to the Games’, a challenge set by the Essex Legacy Team to walk specific routes and collect coloured Olympic themed pin badges as a reward.

With almost all participants now proudly displaying their wares, the council decided it was time to up the ante.

The route will start and finish at Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre and take approximately two and a half hours to complete. With over fifty walkers already signed up, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Chelmsford and several Councillors, the event is set to be a huge success.

Cabinet member for leisure and culture, cllr Ray Ride, said: “Walking is the best way to improve your overall health. The council’s Heart & Sole walking programme is designed to give you a safe, convenient and fun way to exercise.

“This is the first night hike we have organised and we hope to do more if it is as successful as the day walks.”

The walk will consist of walkers and leaders going at a steady pace and will have a number of front leaders and back markers, so there will be no need to worry about how fast or slow you walk. Refreshments will be available inside the leisure centre.

The walk is free, and pre-registration is essential, so to sign up contact the co-ordinator, Shelley Woods, on 01245 606569 or email sportmad@chelmsford.gov.uk.

Further information can also be found at chelmsford.gov.uk/nighthike.