Founded by community organiser and Swindon 24 Columnist Tim Howe, the events have grown in popularity by targeting everyday functional fitness rather than elite-level competition. Tim said:
“This isn’t about being the fastest or strongest in the room,” said Tim Howe. “It’s about building strength that actually carries over into everyday life and helps people stay independent for longer.”
The series is aimed at people who want to build strength, mobility and resilience for daily life, with challenges based around lifting, carrying and moving well.
Organisers say the focus is on long-term health and independence, rather than short-term performance or podium finishes.
Participants can enter one of three levels, novice, intermediate or proficient, allowing first-time competitors, regular gym users and experienced athletes to take part in the same event structure.
The 2026 programme will include four events, split between indoor and outdoor venues in Swindon.
The dates confirmed are:
- Sunday 1 February 2026 at Delta Tennis Centre, with entries closing on Sunday 18 January 2026.
- Saturday 10 May 2026 at the Athletics Track.
- Sunday 13 September 2026 at the Athletics Track.
- Sunday 22 November 2026 at Delta Tennis Centre.
From May onwards, the organisers will also introduce Her Longevity Games, a dedicated strand designed to support and celebrate women’s fitness and wellbeing.
The addition follows feedback from previous participants who asked for more female-focused events within the series.
Tim said:
“Her Longevity Games came directly from listening to women in our community,” he said. “It’s about creating a space where female fitness is celebrated, supported, and taken seriously at every stage of life.”
Unlike traditional competitions that reward narrow athletic skills, The Longevity Games is designed around movements that translate directly into everyday living.
The novice category is aimed at people new to structured fitness challenges, including those returning to exercise later in life.
Intermediate events are designed for participants with an established routine who want to test themselves further.
The proficient category is reserved for athletes seeking a demanding, full-body challenge.
The approach reflects Tim Howe’s wider work in Swindon, where he has consistently promoted fitness as a tool for maintaining independence and quality of life as people age.
Organisers say the events are deliberately structured to feel supportive rather than intimidating, with safety and progression prioritised.
Entries for the first event in February close on Sunday 18 January 2026.
Further details and registration information are available via the official Longevity Games website at www.thelongevitygames.co.uk
