Run backwards for charity (and another 100 reasons if you need)

July 19, 2013 - PRLog -- Press Release – Immediate

19 July 2013

Run backwards for charity (and another 100 reasons if you need)

It’s only three weeks away but it’s not too late to book your place in the Chobani UK Backward Run and walk, on the 11^th August.  Arguably the craziest running race in the world takes place in Heaton Park, Manchester in aid of local charity Forever Manchester.  Over 150 individuals are expected to take part in the race, many hoping to raise money.  Is there a more unique way to attract sponsorship? The organisers of the event are also seeking teams of four.

But it’s not just about raising money for local projects.  Backward running, also known as reverse running and retro running has many amazing health benefits and is considered a super-exercise. Research has shown that backward running can reduce the risk of knee injury, increase weight loss, tone the body and reduce back problems.  In fact there are many benefits to the body and mind (see below for five of these).  Try this just once a week and the long-term benefits can be amazing.  

Event organiser Sally Raynes from Wacky Nation said: “We expect another successful year as more people experience the benefits of backward running whilst raising money for charity.  People who hear about backward running always run a mile, but anyone who actually tries the sport are not only surprised by how easy it is but stunned by it’s immediate impact on their health and fitness.  We have collated 100 reasons to backward run, some of them hard to argue with.   So we are asking everyone to turn their back on sport and put their best foot backward!’

For more information on this event visit the UK Backward Run website at www.reverserunning.com

Good luck and once you start, you may never look back again - or should that be forward?  

For more information ring Sally Raynes on 01884 255896 or email info@reverserunning.com  

ENDS

Notes to editor

Here are 5 reasons to take up backward running

·       Running backwards works the muscles that forward running doesn’t touch i.e. calves, shins and muscles of the front thigh

·       Backward running burns up to a third more calories than forward running and gives your abs a great workout

·       Backward running helps people with back problems realign the vertebrae

·        It’s a great knee rehabilitative exercise because it can maintain an athlete’s fitness whilst minimising the impact at the knee joint

·       Backward running will benefit your performance in other sports where backtracking or changing direction quickly is an essential or advantageous quality e.g. tennis, cricket, football, boxing, basketball.  

How do you run backwards?

Choose a flat, wide running surface free of potholes.  Identify a distance of 50m to 100m in a straight line and walk it first to check for dips or rocks.  From the starting point, the basic technique is to keep your shoulders over your feet, hold your arms close and low to the body push off from the balls of your feet and avoid lifting your feet too far off the ground.  As you grow more confident, widen your stride and add some speed and extend your distance.  Beginners often find it helpful to run with a partner. As one runs backwards over a short distance, the other runs forwards.

Drawbacks

For a balanced article there are a few drawbacks to backward running, but you will be hard pressed to find any other exercise that claims such a favourable benefits to risk ratio.  Yes, you may get laughed at and you may fall over a few times (these can actually become benefits too). On a serious note, runners with serious Achilles tendon problems should avoid backward running which may increase the stress on the tendon.   Also, anyone suffering with wrist injuries or stiff necks should also lay off trying the sport until they have recovered.