MORE than 100 Nordic walkers stepped out to take part in the inaugural British Nordic Walking Challenge Series held at Lydiard Park.

British Nordic Walking has just introduced Nordic walking racing to the UK and Swindon, along with Bristol, were the first to host the event this year on Sunday.

Nordic walking is a sport developed in northern Europe and is similar to cross country skiing with the participants using specially designed poles to propel themselves along.

The event was split into three categories of five kilometres, 10k and 20k with people from all over the country taking part.

Pam Lucas won the 5k distance with a time of 42 minutes and 15 seconds, Alvyn Bysouth won the 10k event with a time of 1 hour and 11 minutes, while Gareth Davies walked to the 20k success with a time of 2 hours 31 minutes.

Fiona Woodruffe and Sarah Walters, of Pilates Esprit in Old Town, helped to organise the vent along with Gemini Outdoor, of Malmesbury.

“There were over 100 walkers from all over the UK and a couple that had come from Italy, so it was a pretty busy day,” said Sarah.

“With Nordic walking you usually have a few hills, where as Lydiard is pretty flat, so that made it quite an easy walk but it was very successful and British Nordic Walking are looking forward to coming back next year.

“By doing it annually, people who want to make it more competitive can, where as others and do it just as a leisure activity.”

For more information on Nordic walking, and to get a full list of results, visit www.britishnordicwalking.org.uk.