Star trekkers clock up 2,500 miles

Almost 2,500 miles were trekked by Erewash residents who accepted a council challenge to go for regular walks – meaning they clocked up a combined distance triple that of Land’s End to John O’Groats.

The spring health and fitness initiative was part of National Walking Month and saw 55 people sign up to say they were keen to get strolling.

Nearly half succeeded in meeting targets for the total number of miles they hoped to complete by the end of May.

Twenty-one managed to walk 85 miles or more, which was the top challenge. Four kept a pledge to cover half that distance – 42.5 miles.

Hiking fan Phil Haynes, 63, led the way by notching up 85 miles in just 12 days. He completed the last 8.5 miles with his partner Mandy on a trekking trip to the Peak District – before going on to cover a grand total of 184 May miles.

Rachel Scott, who is the council’s Community Health and Wellbeing Development Officer, said: “Phil’s was a great achievement. We also had nine others who did 100 miles or more, including distances of 163 miles, 150 miles and 134 miles. 

“At the end of the day, the challenge was set up to encourage people to walk more often every day so whatever mileage you set yourself, if you walked more often you have achieved your challenge.

“The overall number of miles logged was 2,478 – which is the equivalent of going the 837 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats three times.”

A total of 26 successful participants in the challenge were presented with free adult swim vouchers courtesy of Legacy Leisure, which runs the council’s pools. These included one walker who set a separate target and managed to achieve it.

Hiker Phil already has swim membership at West Park Leisure Centre in Long Eaton. He said: “I enjoy keeping fit and also go running and cycling.”

For information on local walking groups in Erewash, please visit the borough council website.