Argus Launches the Argus Challenge
The Argus Group today launches the Argus Challenge, a programme to help members of the community get active and train for the Catlin End-to-End walk or run the Bermuda Day Half-Marathon Derby. The programme is designed to challenge and support those who are not currently physically active, novice runners and former athletes in their quest for a greater level of fitness. This year’s Argus Challenge will consist of two parallel training programmes, one for walkers and one for runners.
To prepare for the Catlin End-to-End, Middle-to-End or Fun Walk on May 1, 2010, Argus Challenge walking participants will be given a comprehensive training schedule to follow in the lead up to their chosen event. Those who register for the walking component of the Argus Challenge have the opportunity to attend a series of Wellness Walkers training sessions facilitated by the Bermuda Physiotherapy Association. Participants are also encouraged to take part in walking events held by the Walking Club of Bermuda as part of their training.
Running participants in the Argus Challenge will be provided with a six-month training schedule to help them prepare for the Bermuda Day Half-Marathon Derby on May 24, 2010. Schedules have been developed for Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced level runners. Monthly Power Hours for runners will be led by fitness trainer, Yves Paul. In addition, those who register can participate in the ongoing training events of Swan’s Running Club and the Mid-Atlantic Athletic Club, until May next year and are encouraged to enter the local road races sanctioned by the Bermuda Track & Field Association as part of their training.
Argus Challenge participants will also be invited to attend a number of informative lectures during the Challenge period covering topics such as selecting the right footwear, following the right diet and marathon training. Additional information will be available on the Argus website, www.argus.bm, throughout the challenge period.
Gerald Simons, President & Chief Executive Officer of the Argus Group, says: “As the island’s oldest health insurance provider, the Argus Group wants to encourage a culture of physical fitness in Bermuda. The Argus Challenge was launched last year as part of this drive to get the community moving. This year, in addition to the Bermuda Day Half- Marathon Derby, we have joined with the Catlin End-to-End to encourage more people to experience the benefits of regular walking. We hope the challenge will help participants to create a habit of exercise that they will continue long after they reach their goal of completing one of these significant events.”
Dr. Gina Tucker, President of the Bermuda Day Half-Marathon Derby Committee, says: “The Argus Challenge introduced many new faces to the event last year so we are delighted that the Argus Group has decided to repeat this programme. The challenge helps participants to build up their fitness levels with a sensible training schedule over a number of months in order to enhance their performance.”\
Anne Mello, Chair of the Bermuda End-to-End Charitable Trust, says: “We are delighted that the Argus Group is challenging members of the public to train for next year’s Catlin End-to-End. We offer three walking events of varying lengths, as well as the opportunity to cycle, swim, row or ride, so there really is something for everybody. People can set their goal based on their physical ability and work towards it over the coming months. Catlin End-to-End is a great opportunity for families to spend quality time together and get active at the same time.”
Interested parties can register to take part in the Argus Challenge at www.bermudatiming.bm. The registration fee is $30 and participants will receive a free tee-shirt which can be collected at the new Argus Building on 14 Wesley Street after they have registered online. Those that register to take part in the challenge and go on to complete their chosen event will be entered into a prize draw to win $1,000 on either May 1 or 24.
The Bermuda End-to-End first took place over 20 years ago. It was started in 1988 by three friends, Paul Rowlerson, Jon Borrill and Clive Cotton, who decided to organise a walk from one end of the island to the other to raise money for charity. The event has grown in size and stature ever since, to become the island’s largest charity fundraiser with over 2,500 people taking part in walking, cycling, paddling, running, canoeing, riding, wheel-chairing and swimming the event each year.
The Bermuda Day Half-Marathon Derby traces its roots back over 100 years to June 1909, when a group of British officers in Somerset challenged their Bermudian workmates to a cross-country race. From this light-hearted challenge grew the Bermuda Day Half- Marathon Derby, an annual event that starts on Cambridge Road in Somerset and finishes at Bernard Park in Pembroke on Bermuda Day, a public holiday.
For more information about the Argus Challenge, interested parties can contact the Argus Customer Service Centre on 298-0888 or email arguschallenge@argus.bm.
