If you’re not sunning it on a beach lounger somewhere, there are plenty of active events to keep you occupied this August. Including a large sprinkling of free fitness stuff.
FREE
Run the Tube
August 5-6 Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, August 8-10 Clapham Common
asics.com
Asics have launched a new campaign #IMoveLondon. Coinciding with the IAAF World Championships, they’ll be taking their 85-metre LED light tunnel around the capital. If you run through the tunnel, which pays music and all kinds of jazzy stuff, you can track it on Runkeeper for a chance to win rewards. If it’s in your hood, probably worth popping along for a quick look.
FREE
Third Space x Zeo Sunrise Yoga
Every Tuesday until 29 August, 07:15-08:00
Canada Square Park
eventbrite.co.uk
What’s better than sunrise yoga? FREE sunrise yoga that’s what. Until the end of August, posh gym the Third Space and Zeo drinks (low cal, botanical fruity beverages) are holding free sessions every Tuesday morning. Open to everyone, the 45-min Hatha yoga classes are held in Canada Square Park and work on balance, strength and mental focus.
FREE
Access StreetVelodrome
8 and 9 August, 10:00-18:00
Canary Wharf
eventbrite.co.uk
Reckon you could give Laura Kenny a run for her money? Now’s your chance to try. This pop-up velodrome is taking up residence in Montgomery Square for three days and you can have a go for nowt. Bike, helmets and coaching are all provided. Register to have a go at Olympic-style track pursuit racing. Or, you could just go along to see how the pros do it as teams compete in the super finals on the 10th.
Dream. Dare. Do.
10 August, 18:30-20:00, £5
Arc’teryx Piccadilly
eventbrite.co.uk
Anna McNuff is a female adventurer and having heard her speak a few times, this is well worth going to. She’s going to recount tales of cycling, running, walking and camping in some of the planet’s most amazing spaces – she’s so enthusiastic you’ll come away not only wanting to climb mountains and swim oceans but believing you can. The nominal ticket price also includes a copy of her new book, The Pants of Perspective, which she’ll be signing on the night. Go.
FREE
Uniqlo Breakfast Run
11 August
Uniqlo, Oxford Street
uniqlo.com/311/events
Spaces on this free 5km run are limited so you’ll need to sign up to see if you’re lucky enough to bag a place. If you are, you’ll get a guided run followed by a free breakfast. We’re not sure of the time yet but it’s going to be before work. All levels are welcome and there’s a bag drop so you can head straight to the office after.
The Pride Run 10k
12 August, 11:00, £20
Victoria Park
https://pride10k.org/
Run the rainbow with the Pride 10k. Not for profit, this annual race is organised by London Frontrunners – an inclusive running club for lesbians, gay and bisexual men and women, transgender and gay-friendly people (which, you’d hope, covers just about everyone). This year, the run is supporting the Schools Out UK charity. If you like a bit of bling, the medals are stonking and there’s an after party at the People’s Park tavern – you can preorder a burger and a drink for a tenner, now that’s our kind of race.
FREE
NeverStopLondon Trail Exploration
12 August, 09:00-17:00
The North Face, Oxford Circus
eventbrite.co.uk
These things sell out fast, so there’s a waitlist but if you fancy a bit of trail running, get on it. The event from The North Face’s free fitness community, is a10-mile social run through the Berkshire countryside. A bus will pick you up and take you to Swinley Forest – prepare for hills, mud, chats and a stop off in the pub after obvs. If you don’t get a place, you can always join the free mountain athletics training sessions from the Oxford Circus store on Tuesdays and Covent Garden store on Mondays.
BOOManchu
12 and 13 August, three sessions available each day
Fun Manchu bar, Clapham, from £28
designmynight.com
This collaboration between cycle studio BOOM Cycle and Edwardian opium den themed bar Fu Manchu (blimey) is being held in railway arches just down the road from my flat so I’ll probably be there (say hi). BOOM are bringing the bikes, and each two-hour session includes a 45-minute ride, a healthy brunch from Sana Mind Body and Soul and talks from guest speakers. We asked who’s speaking but haven’t heard yet, what we do know though is they’re top names in the fitness industry.
Hello Kitty Gang Showcase
12 August, 11:00-11:45 or 12:00-12:45
Ministry Does Fitness, Elephant and Castle
ministrydoesfitness.com
I’ll be honest here, this event is messing with my head. I don’t really understand what’s going on but maybe you will. The full body workout is taking place in a Hello Kitty dreamland apparently complete with an uplifting set by Hello Kitty Gang DJ. Sounds weird/interesting. If you go, please report back.
Starman Night Triathlon
19-20 August, midnight, £125 solo, £145 team
Aviemore, Inverness
starmannighttri.com
Darn it, I meant to sign up for this ages ago but there are still places so if you fancy taking on the ultimate challenge, this tri – all done in the dark – could be just what you’re looking for. Enter solo or as a team to take on the 1.2 mile swim in an inky black loch (believe it or not, that’s the bit I really fancy), 56-mile cycle and then a half marathon up Cairn Gorm and down through the spooky darkness of Glenmore Forest – watch your footing for this one!
Learn2Row
26 August-24 September
Globe Rowing Club, Greenwich
globerowingclub.co.uk
A few of our friends have taken up rowing recently and we haven’t seen them since. Seems it’s a bit of an addictive pastime. If you want to have a go, Globe Rowing Club have a course starting at the end of August.
FREE
At Your Beat Dance Studio open day
28 August, 13:00-18:00
Elephant and Castle
atyourbeat.com
Love to dance? Doesn’t matter if you’re good or have three left feet and windmill arms, At Your Beat Fitness Dance company is having an open day of free classes over the August bank holiday for you to give it a whirl. Classes include VideoBEAT workshops, where you can learn routines to Britney, Beyonce and Rhianna hits – and Despacito! There’s a class in heels and cardio and toning fitness dance classes too. Fabulous darling. Classes are free but you’ll need to book. The timetable is here.
Got any September fitness events on your radar? Send us the deets wouldya? charlotte@lungesandlycra.co.uk
