Offbeat sports to try this summer

Wed 28 Jun 2017

Derby has some new and quirky sports to try out. There are many great ideas to make the most of the summer by getting fitter and making new friends. Footgolf, Pickle Ball, Walking Football, High Ropes Courses and all sorts of unusual races to suit varied tastes and abilities are on offer in and around the city.

Footgolf is the latest craze that replaces a golf ball with a football and a club for a foot. This new fun sport is available at Markeaton Park. The course is open every weekend, Bank Holidays and daily during school holidays from 10.30 am – 6.00 pm (weather permitting), rounds cost from £5 foradults and from £4 for under 16sand concessions plus a refundable £5 ball deposit and a £1 ball hire charge.

The current buzz in the football worldis Walking football. As the name suggests, this is a slower paced version of the usual game and is aimed at the over 50s. Derby Arena is offering this new activity on Fridays 10am to 11am and the cost is £3.35 a session.

Pickleball is coming to Derby Arena, it’s a fun sport for all ages which combines tennis, badminton and table tennis. The game is played with oversized table tennis paddles and a larger ball, over a tennis net, on a badminton court.  Contact Derby Arena for availability and more details. www.derbyarena.co.uk

The Adventure Hub at Markeaton Park has an impressive high ropes course with a Zip-wire, High and Low Aerial Treks, Powerfan Descender, Climbing Wall and amazing activities for both personal and team challenges. There is something here for everyone; from the serious adventurers to those who have never experienced the thrill of jumping, swinging and balancing at height. Prices start at £15 per person, for booking and times please visitchallengeacademy.co.uk

The Colour Rush at Markeaton Park on Sunday 16 July is a fun run or walk over a 3km route while coloured powered paint is thrown into the air above, leaving participants covered in a kaleidoscope of colours at the end! There will also be a free-entry Family Fun Day all day in conjunction with the event. The full event runs from 11am to 4pm (Colour Rush 3k starts at 1pm). Advance entry to the Colour Rush costs £15 for Adults £10 for Children and £40 for groups (2 adults & 2 children). Entry to Colour Rush on the day cost £25 for Adults £15 for Children and £60 for groups (2 adults & 2 children).

The Family Triathlon is back in 2017 as part of the Jenson Button Trust Triathlon at Markeaton Park on Sunday July23. The Family Triathlon will start with a 50m swim in the lake then head out onto the closed roads for a 2.5km cycle before a 750m run. The Family Triathlonchallenge is free to enter and available to children aged 7 and over who compete alongside an adult.

For full details of all the activities and events mentioned please visit inderby.org.uk