Wulfrunians have travelled more than 3 times around the world since the start of Beat the Street, the walking, cycling and running game which is taking Wolverhampton by storm.

More than 24,000 people are taking part and, by this morning (Wednesday 5 April, 2017), have clocked up 85,000 miles - or 3.4 times around the globe.

The free competition continues until Wednesday 3 May, 2017, and challenges people to see how far they can travel across Wolverhampton in return for points and prizes. Players score points and miles by tapping special sensors called Beat Boxes which can be found on lampposts around the City.

Tapping one of the 191 Beat Boxes at the start of the journey, and others en route or at the end, calculates the distance that the player has travelled. This is recorded against the card and added to the player's individual total, their team total and the city's overall score.

Councillor Paul Sweet, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "It's great that so many people are playing along with Beat the Street this year.

"We're off to a flying start, having travelled 85,000 miles already - but there's still a long way to go if we are to reach our target of 200,000 miles over 7 weeks.

"So I'd encourage existing players to keep up the good work - and particularly for families to get out and about over the Easter holidays - and others who aren't yet taking part to grab their game card, sign up and get tapping."

Quote from Dr William Bird, founder of Intelligent Health, said: "It is incredible to see so many people in Wolverhampton tapping Beat Boxes and exploring their City.

"We have already received so many stories from players who have been able to spend more time with friends and family, discovered something new about their local area and started to get more active. We invite you to use this opportunity to get to know Wolverhampton better so pick up a card and start playing."

Game cards are available at a number of locations, including Wolverhampton's 16 libraries, Wolverhampton Art Gallery, the Civic Centre and our WV Active leisure centres. To find nearest distribution centre, please visit Type=links;Linkid=6912;Title=Beat the Street;Target=_blank;.  

The National Trust will be opening Wightwick Manor and Gardens for free to all registered Beat the Street players on Tuesday 11 April, 2017. Visitors will be able to explore the beautiful grounds, try out some special activities and score double points on the special Beat Box.

Beat the Street is being delivered by Intelligent Health on behalf of Sport England, The National Lottery and the City of Wolverhampton Council.

  • released: Wednesday 5 April, 2017