New 'Six Pack' marathon is launched as a challenge for people of Milton Keynes

Local family run events company Big Cow Sports, in collaboration with the Parks Trust, have organised the new routes as a challenge for the people of MK "between lockdown and beyond."

The routes are all fully signed, with additional navigation available direct to people's phones.

They include the 'Nobby Railway 5K', the 'Tearful 10K' and the 'Concrete Chaos 10K'. And they will all be rewarded with a virtual medal.

With its 'timing partner results base', Big Cow Sports will be launching various virtual challenges over the next year to encourage people to get out and set themselves a challenge

The first virtual event is the MK Six Pack Marathon. If people complete all routes they will have done a full marathon of 42km.

Kevin Farmer from Big Cow Sports said: "These routes will be great addition to any training plan or are perfect as a new challenge to help you get active, as well as a chance to explore the area. Runners of all levels are encouraged to get involved. In fact, you can walk, hop or skip your way round."

He added: "Why not see if you can get some sponsorship and raise money for a charity close to your heart? Whatever your motivation, we hope you enjoy completing this first challenge and that exploring these routes makes you smile.

"Please share with your friends and family and let’s see if we can get as many people involved as we can. We are taking bets on how long it is before someone completes all the routes in one day."

The Big Cow Sports website will feature lots more virtual challenges and events as well .

Julie Dawes, Events and Community Engagement Manager from The Parks Trust says ‘We are very proud to work with Big Cow and pleased to see the ‘Six Pack’ running routes mapped out and waymarked through our parks.

"These routes will help runners of all levels explore new areas as each course takes in a different view of our green spaces. We look forward to seeing lots of people enjoying these virtual routes, exploring our parks and discovering some hidden gems along the way.’"

Kevin said: ‘With the help of the Parks Trust we are delighted to have developed this project. These routes can be used for years to come by people looking to get active or stay motivated. We hope you enjoy using them as much as we have enjoyed planning them! We can’t wait to see your times, pictures and hear your stories, get out there and enjoy Milton Keynes and Keep Moooving!"