4 minute read

OUT & ABOUT

GFNY ROAD BIKE RACE

JERUSALEM - 3 April 2020

Advertisement

The world’s largest and most prestigious road bike race for amateurs and professionals, the GFNY (Gran Fondo New York) takes place in Israel in April. Last year, a total of 1,800 riders from Israel and 400 riders from 35 other countries participated. It begins at the Jerusalem Arena and all routes take participants through Jerusalem’s Old City and other iconic landmarks in the city.

There are two options; the first is the Gran Fondo of 130km, which has over 2,673 meters of climbing. The main climbs will take place outside the city, in the Judea Hills. The race route passes through the city streets and along major historic sites, such as the walls of the Old City and the Jaffa Gate, Sultan’s Pool, King David Street, the Government Complex and the Israel Museum, Ein Kerem. The second race option is the shorter Medio Fondo, which also passes some of the same amazing, historical landmarks as the long route, while only riding a total distance of 76km and total elevation gain of 1,689m.

www.gfnyjerusalem.com

GUNG HO! OBSTACLE RACE

MANCHESTER (HEATON PARK) - SATURDAY 4 APRIL / LEEDS (HAREWOOD HOUSE) - SATURDAY 11 APRIL / LONDON (CRYSTAL PALACE PARK) - SATURDAY 6 JUNE

Dig out the trainers from the back of the wardrobe as the world’s biggest 5K obstacle course – Gung Ho! – is heading to seven UK locations in 2020.

It’s the perfect opportunity to ditch the sofa and shed the excess by channelling those good intentions into tackling the ultimate in fun and fitness, a giant inflatable obstacle course. Run, jump, climb, dodge and slide your way to victory over this 5km challenge of thrills and spills which has been inspired by TV shows like Total Wipeout and It’s A Knockout.

Be prepared to tackle a range of gargantuan obstacles including ‘The Wall’ and ‘Danger Zone’ before conquering the ‘Final Countdown’ to successfully complete this heart-thumping assault course.

begung-ho.co.uk

ALSO THIS MONTH...

FITNESS EVENTS

Bounce Games

1 February, New Malden

The games will consist of several challenges such as aerobic, strength, speed and power and metabolic, so be prepared to get sweaty! There will be four teams of four, meaning if you are interested in participating, not only would you be taking part, but you’d also get to build a team of three additional participants too.

The Dead Sea

Marathon 7 February, Jordan

The Dead Sea Marathon, the lowest race in the world, this year features a route that runs alongside the shores and crosses the Dead Sea, with stunning views of the ancient salt crystals and facing the magical, serene desert landscapes. The highlight will be running into the sea on the breakwater of the Dead Sea Works in the southern part of the Dead Sea, an area that is otherwise closed to the general public. deadsea.run/en/about/the_race/

Red Bull Quicksand

Margate 16 May/North Shields 6 September, Margate/North Shields

Now in its third year, Red Bull Quicksand is a brutal one-mile race on the beach. This gruelling event challenges participants with giant sandcastles, dunes and trenches (with some exceeding 28ft in height). And if that wasn’t enough, the top competitors in each heat have to do it all again in the semi-finals, and if successful, the finals.

www.redbull.com/gb-en/events/redbull-quicksand

White Rose Classic

21 June, Ikley, West Yorkshire

The White Rose Classic cycle event is enjoyed by 1,000 riders. There are three phenomenal routes to choose from, ranging from 49 to 122 miles. The longest route, Hawes, includes over 10,000 feet of climbing, but rewards you with spectacular views and long, fast descents.

www.whiteroseclassic.org.uk

GETAWAYS

Yogamagic

A transformative retreat near the beaches of North Goa, India, that represents not only a tranquil retreat to inspire a personal yoga journey, but a way to live sustainably, kindly and with others in mind. The main premise of Yogamagic is for guests to Relax, Nourish and Revive, in order to feel refreshed and fully relaxed. Sounds good to us!

www.yogamagic.net

Daios Cove

In addition to a fully functional BXR infrastructure available for all visitors to Daios Cove, you can also get access to BXR-approved fitness experts all offering a diverse programme of fitness classes. As part of the programme, guests will enjoy specially curated meals prepared by the resort’s holistic nutritional consultant Sarah Safarian, with a variety of new fresh and wholesome menu options and tailored protein shakes.

www.daioscove.com

THINGS TO DO

Year of the Pig celebrations at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

2-3 February, Bristol

Head over to Bristol Museum & Art Gallery to welcome in the Year of the Pig with spectacular traditional and contemporary performances, stalls, workshops and activities. Go on a pig detective trail, check out stalls featuring elements of Chinese culture and pop into the shop for beautiful Chinese goods, before tasting a delicious Chineseinspired menu from the museum’s café.