A Swindon man’s vision to transform the town into the fittest in the UK is gaining serious momentum – with MPs, councillors and hundreds of locals already getting involved in a movement that’s as much about community as it is about cardio.
Tim Howe, 51, from North Swindon, is the brains behind the Longevity Games – a new health and wellbeing initiative aimed at helping people of all ages and fitness levels invest in themselves and their future. With five events planned for 2025, the aim is simple: get people moving, together.
The event has already drawn attention from across the political spectrum. Swindon North MP Will Stone took part in last year’s event, while Swindon South MP Heidi Alexander attended the February games as a guest. The next Longevity Games, set for 18 May at Swindon Harriers Athletic Track, will see a host of councillors taking part – including the Leader of Swindon Borough Council, Cllr Jim Robbins.
But this isn’t just about politics. It’s personal.
“The average life expectancy is 81, but the health expectancy is only 63,” Tim explained. “That’s two decades of people living in poor health. I believe this is avoidable. If we bring people together to move more and support each other, we can change not just individual lives, but entire communities.”
What started as an informal outdoor meet-up during lockdown has since grown into something far greater. With over 140 already signed up for the next event, Tim admits he’s been taken aback by the response.
“We started with a small test event last May, then a proper one in September,” he said. “We had just over a hundred at the February games, and May’s numbers are already higher. It’s blown my mind.”
For Tim, who works in sales by day, the idea behind the Longevity Games was never about competition. It was about inclusion. Commercial fitness events, he said, often come with hefty price tags and a competitive edge that can put people off before they’ve even tried. That’s where the Longevity Games stands apart.
“Your pace, not a race,” he said. “It’s all about creating a space where people feel welcome, not intimidated. You can be competitive if you want to – or not at all. There are no timing chips. No pressure. Just people giving it a go.”
The events feature activities such as walking, running, squats, burpees and lunge walks, with participants grouped by ability into three categories – Novice, Intermediate and Proficient. The entry fee is £35, which includes a finisher’s t-shirt, water bottle, high-res photos – and, perhaps most valuable of all, a sense of pride.
Alongside the main events, Tim also invites local sports and fitness groups to showcase their work – with a view to connecting participants to longer-term activities once the day is over. The hope is to soon have local GP surgeries referring patients to the games as part of broader health plans.
His ambitions, however, don’t stop in Swindon. Other towns have already expressed an interest in replicating the Longevity Games, and there’s even attention from across the Atlantic in the United States.
But for now, Tim’s focus remains firmly on his hometown. “I want to build something here that shows what’s possible. I truly believe Swindon can lead the way.”
After the May games, three more dates are confirmed for 2025:
- 20 July at Moredon Sporting Hub
- 14 September at Swindon Harriers Athletic Track
- A final event in November (venue TBC)
For full details or to sign up, visit www.thelongevitygames.co.uk
