Get fit in 2022 with challenges for all levels

Diverse Abilities has a roster of challenges for everyone to get involved with during 2022 and help raise vital funds for children and adults with disabilities across the county.

Join 2,000 adventurers of all experience levels and ages to walk, jog, or run the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. Seven distances are available to choose from over the weekend of Saturday, May 14, and Sunday, May 15, from 25-kilometres through to 100-kilometres and entrants receive free food and drink at regular stops, plus support including medics, marshals and massages. A glass of fizz, commemorative t-shirt, and a medal will be presented at the finish line.

Sign up to the Jurassic Coast Challenge before Monday, January 31, and receive 50 per cent off registration fees for any charity sponsorship place.

Karen Hay, events manager at Diverse Abilities, commented: “We’re really thrilled to add this to our roster of events for 2022, it’s a fantastic challenge and takes in picturesque sites like Corfe Castle, Swanage, Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door and West Bay.”

The Dorset Neon Run returns for 2022, taking place in Poole Park on Saturday, April 23, and early bird registrations for the 5-kilometre fun run are currently available for £12.50 per person until the end of January. This year Diverse Abilities has introduced a Family 2-kilometre event earlier in the evening due to popular demand. Participants can run, walk, jog, or dance their way around the course and raise funds for the charity.

Karen continued: “The Dorset Neon Run is always so much fun and we’ve got HOT Radio back on board again this year to provide entertainment. Everyone’s invited to come along in their brightest outfits and enjoy the fantastic buzz of the atmosphere with plenty of laughs and all for a great cause.”

Individual challenges are also available and include various dates throughout the year for wing walks and skydives. Wendy Barfoot, daughter of the charity’s founder, is abseiling down the Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth, in April to celebrate her 80th birthday.

Wendy commented: “Diverse Abilities has had a special place in my heart throughout my whole life and I’ve taken on a variety of different challenges over the years. I’m really looking forward to this one and would like to invite anyone also celebrating a big birthday this year to take part with me!”

Visit diverseabilities.org.uk/events for more details about upcoming events and how to get involved.