AN EVENT that looks to get people active is making a return to the town centre.

The Basingstoke Bodycombat marathon will once again be taking place at the Basingstoke Sports Centre in Festival Place.

The event took place for the first time last year, and successfully raised more than £2,500 for St Michael’s Hospice, the charity of choice for last year.

This year, the money raised from the event will be split between St Michael’s Hospice and the Sports Centre’s own Cancer Rehabilitation charity.

Organiser Sally Blanc said: “We had success last year with the Bodycombat marathon, and we had around 100 people at the first event last year.

"It was brilliant to raise the amount that we did and I am so excited to get to do it again.

“It will be a similar format to last year, although we will have different instructors, routines and music.”

The marathon event will see as many people as come along doing the bodycombat moves over the course of three hours, or for as long as they can.

Sally added: "Some people can be put off by the length of the event, three hours feels like a long time to be exercising.

"But we want everyone to feel welcome and have fun, everyone can rest as much as they like.

"It is quite a sight to see, everybody all in the same hall, doing the same moves at the same time.

"The energy and the atmosphere is amazing, it's such a fun atmosphere, so come along."

Since getting involved with bodycombat four years ago, Sally has been training to become an instructor as well as her day job as a driving instructor. One of her first classes will be at the marathon, an idea that she admits is 'terrifying.'

Sally said: "One of my first classes will potentially be in front of 100 people, which is terrifying but I'm really excited."

The event will be taking place on Sunday, September 1 at the Basingstoke Sports Centre from 10am.

To sign up or for more information, visit: 2019bbcm.co.uk.