A TWO-LEGGED anchor is urging people to dig into a pioneering fitness challenge.

Alex the Anchor is promoting Inverclyde’s heritage trail – and signing folk up for a new ‘Million Miles Challenge’ along part of the waterfront route next month.

The challenge aims to get Inverclyde walking, running, cycling and swimming towards a one million miles target.

Organisers say it’s the first project of its kind in Scotland, and the mascot for it was created by St Columba’s High schoolgirl Sally Kane as part of a design competition.

Kay Clark, co-ordinator of the Inverclyde Heritage - Quest for Learning Project, said: “The mascot is one of the things we are using to promote a heritage fun run/walk on the Esplanade on August 28.”

Sarah-Jane Gregson, Millions Miles project co-ordinator, added: “The Inverclyde Million Miles Challenge is delighted to be part of the heritage trail fun run and each step walked or mile ran on the day will contribute towards our target.

“Both projects are a clear demonstration of Inverclyde’s continuing commitment to improving the health of local people, combating health inequality and promoting healthy lifestyles.

“This will be a fun event and we would encourage as many people as possible to come along and participate.”

The initiative starts on August 11, to coincide with the Rio Olympics, and will end on June 30 next year.

Sarah-Jane said: “The Inverclyde Million Miles Challenge is the first like it in Scotland and we are aiming to get the whole of the community involved.”

The project is joint funded by Awards For All Scotland and Inverclyde Health and Social Care Partnership and it’s managed by CVS Inverclyde.
For more information contact sarahjane@millionmiles.org.uk