Backward Run

There was a mixed 3km & 1km backward race with cash prizes for the first 3 places, followed by a backwards fun run/walk for those looking to raise money for their favourite charities. The course, a 1km stretch round Crystal Palace Park included a stretch of up hill, downhill, a fair few winding corners, a drop to one side of the path, bollards, signposts and litter bins, not to mention members of the general public walking their dogs. In short, plenty to trip you up when you’re not looking where you’re going!

Worth the risk it would seem when Garret Doherty, the World Champion, and clear winner of both the 1km and 3km London race here explained the health benefits. Apparently, running 3km backwards is equivalent to running 18km forwards. That’s 6 times more effective, so you don’t have to run or walk nearly as long to get the same workout, great news for those of us a little shy of exercise! And that’s not half of it, there’s plenty more benefits according to Garret, just visit www.runnerretro.com to read all about them, but if you take it up, you’ll soon be thinking with the right side of your brain and be able to take on all sorts of new challenges.

A little advice – just try to steer clear of any lamp posts!