The Hartlepool health team which is top of the world after taking on rivals from Dubai, New Zealand and UK

The team pictured in 2019, before physical distancing measures were required.

The squad of 44 physiotherapists from North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust took part in the Physio World Run virtual race.

Each team member committed to regular running, cycling, walking or swimming and recording their logged miles on the Strava App.

The miles built up with each team able to see each other’s progress. The intrepid team from the Trust were named as having hit the required distance of 40,075 km,

Team member Chris Tarn, Senior Clinical Professional, said: “We raced against teams from all over world, from as far as Dubai and New Zealand.

“Our team were out in all weathers clocking up the miles, with the added challenge of observing the requirements of physical distancing.

“Last year we did the same challenge and it took the team 10 months. For us to complete the challenge this year in 5 and a half months in the midst of a global pandemic is outstanding!

“Keeping in good health is essential. There is strong evidence to suggest that being active reduces your risk of diabetes, heart disease, some cancers, dementia and depression. And the best thing is it can be free.

“We really want this to be part of a catalyst to encourage our local population to improve their activity and to show that anything is possible when you have lots of encouragement and support from others.”

Chris added: “It’s been a great challenge and seen a lot of people increase their physical activity, some of the team hadn’t done any running or cycling for years and have slowly built up their stamina. It’s had a great impact upon people’s friendships in the department and on our mental health.

“It’s become a proper community now with everyone supporting one another through weekly challenges.”

Other teams talking part in the challenge included the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Connect Health, Teesside University Physiotherapy Student Society, Mediclinic (Dubai), Northland District Health Board (New Zealand), University of Nottingham Sports Injury Clinic, and Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust.

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