Rainbow Fitness Trail in Manton, Rutland, provides exercise for elderly and vulnerable people

A fitness trail aimed at helping older and vulnerable people stay fit and healthy in a post-pandemic world has been officially opened.

Dr Sarah Furness, the Lord Lieutenant of Rutland, carried out the ribbon-cutting duties at The Rainbow Trail in Manton on Saturday (August 8).

The trail is the brainchild of fitness instructor Mary Hardwick, who runs the Inspire2tri studio in the village.

It features different exercises at four-metre intervals to allow users to get a fuller workout within social distancing guidelines.

In her speech at the launch, Dr Furness said: “The Rainbow Trail may be a one woman vision but, typically of Rutland, it has also been a great community effort. It is a trail but also a trailblazer – one of a kind which in our changed ‘new normal’ world may be useful to other communities beyond Rutland’s boundaries.

“Covid has provided significant challenges to our duty to care for and protect one another. Meeting those challenges has meant thinking ‘outside the box’ and finding new ways of doing things.

“Our world has changed but Mary and all who have helped her have demonstrated that out of difficulties can come positive new developments.”

Mary said: “The course is designed to be more safe so people can have the confidence to come and do prepared exercise without worrying about getting too close to other people.”

Inspire2tri is a not-for-profit community interest company. Its aim is to help people succeed in sport whatever their starting point or personal circumstances.

The trail has been funded by a £10,000 grant from the National Lottery Community Fund.

It was developed alongside the Rutland Health Primary Care Network and with the support of Copthill School and Rutland Cycling.

Dr Hilary Fox said: “This outdoor track will enable people to exercise safely under supervision and regain strength and balance in a controlled environment.

“GPs will be able to refer patients to rehabilitation classes knowing that they are safe and supervised.

“It is an innovative solution which supports the health and wellbeing of Rutland residents.”