Years ago, while still at university, Time Out took a trip into Snowdonia, the mountainous region of North Wales, hoping for a bit of fresh air and an escape from more usual studenty weekend pursuits. Stopping to admire the view at the foot of the country’s tallest mountain, we caught sight of something descending at vast speed through the low lying clouds. As the figure got closer, we realised – to our gobsmacked amazement – that it was an elderly man, leaping from boulder to boulder with the agility of a mountain goat. Five minutes later, he hopped over the wall into the car park, clothed in a grey mackintosh and a pair of rotting farming boots, and strolled towards us. ‘Eighty-seven years old,’ he said, revealing a gappy smile, ‘and I’ve run up and down that hill every morning since the day I started school.’
It’d be lovely to think we might be blessed with similar nimbleness by the time we reach our ninth decade, but we’ve long suspected that this kind of dedication has to be nurtured while you’re still in short trousers. Sure, it’s possible to take up jogging in your mid-thirties, but sticking with it – that’s a whole different level of nutcase.
Families who wish to get their little’uns up and running could do worse than to head over to Zayed Sports City on November 5, when the people behind the Haddins Fitness Centre kick-start what they claim will be the longest group fitness session the Middle East has ever seen. It sounds like another of the city’s harebrained record-breaking attempts, but coordinator Michael Haddins seems to have more of a social get-together in mind.
‘Sure, we’ve got a few guys who’ll give it a go,’ he explains over the phone. ‘They’ll do maybe a five or six-hour continuous session, but it’s generally not going to be super strenuous.’ He points out that his main aim is to get people involved in a number of different activities, each taking place every hour throughout the day. Zumba, yoga, Pilates; the usual pulse botherers are all present and correct, all available for the entire community; men and women, young and old alike. ‘There’ll be football posts up for the kids to have a kickabout,’ he says, before listing a number of other pursuits, including fitness boxing, each tailored to the kids’ abilities.
As a muscular specimen with his own popular fitness program, Haddins still recognises the importance of motivation and reward. Any ripped mums or dads who fancy having a bash at the big sessions can do it in the knowledge that they stand to win prizes. ‘People who can keep going the longest can win hotel stays, gym memberships, iPod Shuffles…’ he tells us, though it’s unlikely he’ll stand to win much himself. Despite a reputation for fearsome fitness, he admits the longest he’s ever managed is, ‘maybe 90 minutes to two hours. I’ve never seen anything like this before.’
Running from 8am to 10pm, the event promises to be a great day out in the fresh air and – at the risk of sounding trite – top fun for all the family. Our advice would be to slap on some sun cream and warm up the children: their chances of becoming ancient Welsh mountain nutters might just depend on it.
Get involved
Venue: International Tennis Complex, Zayed Sports City
Date: November 5
Time: 8am-10pm
Price: Free
Key activities: Boxing fitness, yoga, kids’ football, tug of war, tennis
Further info: www.haddins.com
