Take part in travelling the virtual mile

Rossendale residents are being encouraged to get out and with run or walk a mile as part of a two-week health challenge.

This week should have been one of the borough’s biggest fitness events of the year – the primary school cross country championships.

Sadly, the event has been postponed because of the on-going coronavirus emergency but the organisers are challenging the borough to part in a virtual mile competition instead.

The challenge, which runs from today to May 29, is being termed by the organisers, Rossendale Schools Sports Partnership and Rossendale Leisure Trust, as a “Rossendale-wide, mass participation event” which anyone of any age or ability can take part in.

Throughout the two weeks, those taking part will be encouraging everyone to get out and run/walk (wheelchair users encouraged) a mile, while maintaining social distancing, and send in their best time. Everyone that enters will receive a certificate.

Councillor Alyson Barnes, Leader of the Council, said:

“COVID-19 has sadly meant lots of brilliant events have had to be cancelled or postponed. But it hasn’t stopped organisers from coming up with innovative ways of offering something else.

“This is a great idea and I hope as many people as possible take part. It’s a fun way to keep healthy and active, which is even more important during these really dark times.”

To enter your time, please click on the link: Rossendale Virtual Mile Results Form . Please also post photos of you taking part to our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Rossendalessp/