The staff and users of inspire2tri, a fitness and rehabilitation centre based in Manton, have walked the distance of the Rutland Round to celebrate the 22nd anniversary of the iconic local walking route. 

inspire2tri is a Community Interest Company run by founder Mary Hardwick, who set up the centre in 2011 to "help people realise personal sporting achievements, whatever their starting point."

Since then they have engaged in a range of events involving both staff and users of the centre, with 2022 seeing staff and users of inspire2tri attempting to walk a monumental 64.8 miles, or 1,159 times around their Rainbow Trail.

Dr Sarah Furness coming to the conclusion of the Rutland Round challenge

The Rainbow Trail is an outside network of wooden paths that was built in 2021 with the aim of increasing mobility and confidence in its users. Classes are provided on the trail every day of the week from May to October, weather permitting. 

Since January, the trail has played host to the Rutland Round Challenge, which concluded today, Tuesday the 12th of April 2022, with the originators of the circular walk, Lady Margaret Kennedy and John Williams, joining the team for one final lap. 

The Rutland Round was first opened on the 12th of April 2000 and is a popular walking route, with visitors coming from across the UK to take their turn attempting sections of the 68.4 mile route, which starts and ends in Oakham.

John Williams, originator of the Rutland Round explained how the route first came about: "I was a keen walker and joined the Harringworth walking group, where I was advised to take a copy of the Rutland Mercury with me. They said it was light enough to carry and just thick enough to cover the barbed wire when climbing the fences!" He laughed.

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With the clear lack of good route available, John decided to take action.

"We were lucky. We got a £4500 Lottery grant to put towards the cost of the paths. Then we were lucky again. The Harrington walking group scheduled 5 Sundays to trial the walk in and, if we ever went to walk in separate directions, we stopped and had a committee meeting right in the middle of the walk. 

"Once we had decided where the route would run, we began producing the walk book to go with it. A local history teacher from Uppingham School, Jeff Froud, produced all of the historical content, and the Town Clerk took the photographs. 

John added, smiling: "We sold over 3000 copies. It's interesting and relatively easy to read. For me, it was something to do after giving up running a school." 

Lady Margaret Kennedy, John Williams and Lord-Lieutenant Dr Sarah Furness

 Lady Margaret Kennedy added: "I must confess, I was more involved with the history, with the Rutland churches, of which there are many. It really is a lovely county and it's a privilege that people get to see it on this walk."

"inspire2tri has been an amazing conception. I've been here since the start and what Mary has accomplished is wonderful."

Margaret Kennedy's husband, Sir Jock Kennedy, was Lord-Lieutenant in 2000 when the walk was first opened, which made it even more poignant that the current Lord-Lieutenant Dr Sarah Furness could attend. 

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Dr Sarah Furness added: "The Rainbow Trail is brilliant and Mary is an inspiration. What a great way to ensure people stay fit and enjoy their lives. Today is special, marking 22 years since the Rutland Round was launched, and I am delighted to be here with Margaret Kennedy and John Williams. It was great fun walking the trail and meeting the active rehabbers, promoting good physical and mental health."

Lord-Lieutenant Sarah Furness also presented a long-time attendee of inspire2tri, Mary, with an award congratulating her on attending her 500th class this week.  

Mary receiving her 500th class award

Mary Hardwick, founder of inspire2tri, concluded the event by saying: "I am really pleased that Lady Margaret Kennedy, John Williams, and Dr Sarah Furness were able to come and support the end of the Rutland Round project, representing the group from the 12th of April 2000."

The group managed to surpass their goal, walking a total of 156.3 miles, which amounts to 2.4x around the Rutland Round. They reached a total of 151 walkers, and covered 2779 laps of the Rainbow Trail, with the top 10 walkers completing a full lap of the Round between them. 

inspire2tri attendees Mary and Mike Gaul completed 120 laps together, to which Mike said: "I am delighted. It is a privilege to be here and the physical and social side of the centre are both very important – mind you, the leaders of inspire2tri take no prisoners!" 

Find out more about how inspire2tri and the Rainbow Trail can help you or the local community.

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