The 11th edition of the fitness event was held at the Harriers athletics track on Sunday, attracting people with a wide range of fitness levels.
Local GPs, councillors and Swindon’s Mayor were among those who took part in challenges aimed at helping people remain stronger, healthier and independent as they get older.
Event founder Tim Howe said:
“It’s been amazing.
“We’ve had over 200 people take part today, from Gladiator finalists to local GPs to councillors, to the Mayor.”
The Longevity Games offers different levels so participants can complete the challenges according to their own abilities, rather than focusing only on experienced athletes.
Tim said the aim is to encourage people across Swindon to consider how staying active could benefit them later in life. He said:
“Because we want people to age well.
“We want people to give themselves the best chance later in life. We want people, in this town, to have the best chance of being as independent for as long as possible.”
Tim said people who are nervous about entering can start at novice level, with participants able to adapt challenges to suit their abilities. He said:
“The beauty about it is there’s no judgement, there’s no expectation.
“If you can’t run, you walk. You do everything at your own level, and we’ll support you every step of the way.”
Among those competing was Naomi, a finalist on BBC’s Gladiators, who was invited to the event by Tim after he watched her performances on the programme.
Returning from a minor injury, she competed at intermediate level and described the event as “one of the best things I’ve done all year”.
Naomi said the supportive atmosphere reminded her of her experience on Gladiators.
She said:
“Everybody’s shouting for everybody. Everybody’s going at their own pace, just enjoying the moment.
“In terms of demands on the body, this is a lot more intense for a shorter period of time, whereas the Gladiators is up and down because you’re in and out of events.”
She also encouraged people who have struggled to become active to give events such as the Longevity Games a try.
She said:
“Literally, take the first step, walk onto this track, and you’ll feel the community.
“You want to get involved. Honestly, you’ve got everybody here taking it at their own pace. There’s something for everybody. There’s no pressure. It’s just, let’s all get together and see what we can achieve.”
Naomi said fitness became particularly important to her during lockdown, when exercise helped support her mental health.
Her appearance on Gladiators followed encouragement from her children after they watched the programme together. She said:
“They asked me to apply, coming off the back of some high-level sport. I didn’t know what to do next, and they sort of jumped in and said, ‘You know what? Focus on this.’
Naomi also urged parents to consider the example they set for their children by staying active. She said:
“The more things you can do together as a family, the more energy you bring to it, and the more you can kind of be active together.
“Get from behind the tablets, get out there, walks, rain, whatever the weather. Let’s just get going.”
She plans to return to the next Longevity Games as a volunteer and hopes even more people will take part. She said:
“Let’s get more community down here. Let’s double the numbers.”
Tim said he would like Swindon Borough Council leader Gary Sumner, senior public health representatives and the town’s MPs to participate in future events.
He also challenged previous participant Will Stone to return and compete at a higher level.
Tim said:
“The point is, we all need to be on the same boat. We all need to be on the same page because we want our society to be stronger and fitter to help our long-term health.
“We’ve all got to get involved and lead by example.”
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