PARKRUNNERS charged to victory in a game that has seen thousands of Swindon families take to the streets.

Swindon Parkrun's group won the fitness team category in Beat the Street, an initiative that encouraged people to walk, run or cycle between posts set up across the town. Swindon Home Educators won the community team category with the highest number of points.

More than 32,000 people were involved in the game, running or walking a total of 313,353 miles over six weeks. It meant Swindonians trounced Reading, which set the record in 2016 with 297,000 miles.

Swindon Borough Council, which supported the scheme together with Sport England, hinted there might be more Beat the Street challenges to come. A spokeswoman said: "Players are encouraged to keep hold of their cards as the Beat the Street organisers plan to encourage residents to stay active through further events and initiatives in the coming months."

Coun Brian Ford, Swindon Borough Council cabinet member for health, said: “I would like to issue a heartfelt congratulations to each and every person who has taken part in Beat the Street – what a brilliant success this initiative has been.

“To think that we are a town of record breakers makes me very proud indeed. It just goes to show what can be achieved when we all come together to get fit.

“If you’ve enjoyed Beat the Street, please keep up the great work and continue to build on the foundations that you’ve made for your health.”

A spokesman for Beat the Street said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the response to Beat the Street in Swindon, with tens of thousands of people taking part all across the town. While many people will be sad the game is coming to a finish, we hope it has encouraged people to spend more time with friends and family, discover new areas and become more active – changes which residents can carry on in the months following the game.”

Winners will be pick up their prizes at a special celebration held at the County Ground athletics track tomorrow morning. The event, which runs between 10am and 12pm, is open to all and will feature stallholders with ideas of how people can keep active. For more, visit: www.beatthestreet.me/swindon.