Held at Moredon Sporting Hub on Saturday 4th July, the event attracted 104 participants and marked the first Longevity Relay to be staged in the town.
Created by the team behind The Longevity Games, the relay encourages people of all ages and abilities to take part, whether they choose to run or walk.
The route started on the closed-road cycle circuit at Moredon Sporting Hub before following the former railway line towards Shaw Forest. Participants travelled through woodland trails before returning along the railway path to the finish.
Competitors entered either as individuals or in teams of up to six. Those taking part included representatives from local businesses, Swindon Borough Council, Great Western Hospital, Team NHS and running clubs from across Wiltshire.
Two teams also travelled from Nottingham to take part in the inaugural event. Organisers said the emphasis was on teamwork, encouragement and making physical activity accessible, rather than finishing times.
Tim Howe, founder of the event, said:
“The Longevity Relay was created to bring the ethos of The Longevity Games into a team event. We wanted something where it genuinely doesn’t matter whether you run or walk, whether you’re an experienced athlete or taking on your first challenge.
Seeing workplace teams, NHS staff, running clubs, friends and families all supporting each other was exactly what we hoped for.”
Organisers said feedback from participants had been overwhelmingly positive, with many already asking when the event would return. Others said they planned to bring walking groups or additional running teams next year, while some described it as the most inclusive event they had entered.
Following the successful launch, organisers have confirmed the Longevity Relay will return on Saturday 3rd July 2027.
They said the event forms part of the wider mission of The Longevity Games to encourage people of all ages and abilities to become more active. The long-term ambition is to help make Swindon the fittest town in the country by creating opportunities for communities to take part in inclusive physical activity together.
It was great to be part of this on the marshalling team, everyone was smiling, such a positive atmosphere. Can’t wait to watch this grow