A fitness event promoting well-being and health longevity is returning to Swindon this weekend.

The Longevity Games, founded by Tim Howe, encourages people of all ages and abilities to participate in functional exercises aimed at maintaining mobility, improving strength and balance, enhancing cardiovascular health, promoting social interaction, boosting mental health and enhancing general quality of life.

Tim, who has worked on fitness projects for the last four years and designed the event with the help of healthcare experts, trialled the first games in May.

After receiving support from local gyms, councillors and former Swindon South MP Sir Robert Buckland, the event will be back at Swindon Athletics Track on Sunday, September 15 from 9:30am. 

Demand proved to be so popular that Tim reopened the registration sign-up sheet a day after it was closed, but those who were unable to sign up are welcome to spectate. 

Tim said: “I’m amazed by the response since the May test event, how much support we have had from not only local people but the Council. Businesses including Richard James Estate Agents and South West Mortgages have kindly sponsored the Finishers T-Shirts.

“Come and cheer on the participants as they tackle three levels of challenges - novice, intermediate and proficient. The levels get increasingly difficult, with longer running distances and more repetitions of functional exercises, designed to test every fitness level."

Lewis Bird, senior in Public Health in Swindon Borough Council, will be participating alongside Swindon North MP Will Stone and Emma Sperring, who kickstarted parkrun in 2010 – a weekly Saturday run at Lydiard Park. 

MP Will Stone said: “I’m participating in the Longevity Games on September 15 because they’re so much more than an example of competitive sport, they’re a showcase of how all people, no matter their ability can engage in exercises designed to improve their quality of life.

“As a former Personal Trainer in the Army I have a passion for sport and involving people in exercise to boost their health and allow them to stay healthy for longer. But I’m also passionate about community and supporting the people of Swindon North, the Longevity Games therefore are a perfect example of how to combine both those interests.

“I look forward to competing at the Games on Sunday and seeing as many residents of Swindon there as possible.”