Festive streak goes international

More than 200 people have signed up for a festive exercise “streak” organised by a local group, with more joining the challenge every day.

And although the event is based in Shetland participants are taking part in far flung places – from icy Canada to a distinctly sweltering Australia.

Organiser Kerry Geddes said people all over the UK and the world are taking part and are all battling very different weather conditions.

“It fairly makes you think twice about putting off a walk or a run because it’s a bit cold when Fraser Hunter is in Canada and has sub-zero temperatures and snow to contend with. Then we have a lot of folk jetting off to sunnier climes for their holidays who are looking at what Sally and Emma Hooker and Eilidh Southren are writing about their sweaty workouts in Australia.

“The thought of exercising when on holiday or over Christmas and New Year can seem bizarre but who says we all need to put on weight or lose fitness just because that’s what we’ve always done?”

The event is now in its second week, and although people are signing up via Facebook, organiser Kerry Geddes said she was pleased that lots of people are also joining in unofficially.

“I’m getting loads of emails and messages and even being stopped by people in the street who want to tell me they’re taking part. I don’t even know some of them but it’s great to see how positively folk feel as a result of squeezing a little exercise in at this time of year.”

Mrs Geddes said people should aim to do at least 15 minutes of exercise every day until New Year’s Eve. Although the challenge started last month, she says people can join in any time. Any type of exercise goes, but she encourages outside exercise as a way to get some much needed fresh air and to clear the head.

She said: “The dark nights and cold weather can be off-putting at first, but it’s amazing what the combination of fresh air and a little exercise can do, especially if you’ve been inside all day.”

The challenge is raising money for blood cancer charity Anthony Nolan through the sale of 2014 Festive Streak T-shirts.