Macclesfield Leisure Centre athletics track to host 'Deadly Dozen' fitness race
By Alex Greensmith
12th Apr 2024 | Local News
A Hurdsfield gym is taking over Macclesfield Leisure Centre's athletics track.
5S Fitness, of Hurdsfield Road, are hosting an innovative new race concept on the running track at Macclesfield Leisure Centre throughout the summer.
The Deadly Dozen, a concept created by 5S Fitness founder Jason Curtis, is one that the Macclesfield resident hopes to take across the globe.
The race is an alternative fitness race to Hyrox, and comprises 12 x 400m runs which build aerobic power and 12 x functional fitness stations (labours) that work fundamental movements (squat, deadlift, lunge & press) which build muscular endurance.
Macclesfield Nub News met with Jason and 5S Fitness staff member Vanessa Stokoe for a chat about it.
"The Deadly Dozen is a race that combines running functional fitness", said Vanessa.
"So for example, you will be running, and then straight into things like kettlebell deadlifts, burpees or bear crawls.
"There's 12 runs and 12 functional fitness stations, alternating between the two. It is a massive fitness test basically.
"We've been practicing this race in the gym and up Hurdsfield Road for months now. We've found the simulations to be fun, but something you have to train for.
"We'd love to take the concept further afar, if possible."
To enter the Deadly Dozen, it costs £69 for one person.
Pairs is £120, and a relay team of four is £140 (and the cost can be split between each entrant).
"The Deadly Dozen is the ultimate test of fitness", said Jason.
"What we have tried to do, is create a race that works all the different components of fitness.
"It is not only going to work the aerobic system of fitness, it will also work muscular strength and endurance.
"But it is also really accessible, there is not a massive strength barrier to entry, and it is not particularly technical. You can do it, as long as you are willing to work hard to do it. We think it is the most accessible fitness race in the world, but also one of the hardest.
"My advice to those taking part: pace yourself. You don't have to destroy yourself in the training. The key is to stimulate, not annihilate. Be consistent with it.
"And on race day, if you want to get a good time, you have to pace it where you are going to be uncomfortable. But if you suffer too much, you are going to be in the hurt locker. So it is all about finding the right pace, and that develops in your training with a mix of low and high intensity exercise, where the body is not comfortable but it is not dying.
"It is good to work with Macclesfield Leisure Centre on this. The idea is to bring revenue to tracks all round the UK. Tracks as a whole I think are quite underutilised. So not only is it a USP for our race, but it brings money to local leisure centres.
"And it is not just a race, it is also a training methodology. Any home gym in the world will have this, and athletic tracks are the same all over the world. So there's the ability to spread this race far and wide, to maximise their motivation in the gym."
If you aren't quite fit enough to take part, but want to have a big summer day out. You can still help out in what will be a buzzing community event.
"My message to Macclesfield would be, come along and have a look," told Vanessa.
"Spectators are free, and we are also looking for volunteers to do the counting of reps at each station. We will look after our volunteers too, in what will be a fun day out."
The event is set to take place on four dates, with two already being sold out.
The dates on June 22 and September 14 are sold out.
However, it is not too late to sign up for the Deadly Dozen on July 13 and August 17.
You don't have to be a member of 5S Fitness to take part, but training will be held there in anticipation for the gruelling challenge.
5S Fitness is affiliated with Sunderland Street gym VT Personal Training, who will also be hosting training for the event.
People can do the Deadly Dozen for charity, should they so desire.
Macclesfield Leisure Centre manage the Athletics Track, and are excited for the challenge.
Area General Manager Stuart at Macclesfield Leisure Centre said: "We are pleased to be assisting in hosting this event providing the opportunity for competitors to take part in this exciting challenge and utilise the UKA accredited facilities at the athletics track at Macclesfield Leisure Centre."
"This mirrors Everybody Health & Leisure putting the communities health and wellbeing first, ultimately providing leisure for life."
A podcast explaining the race has also been produced.
Macclesfield: You can sign up find more about the event on the Deadly Dozen website, Facebook, or on Instagram.
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