The six-week Beat the Street challenge, which transformed Colchester into a giant, interactive physical activity game, has officially concluded with record-breaking results. Nearly 18,000 residents walked, cycled, scooted and wheeled their way to a collective distance that equivalent to traveling more than five times around the circumference of the Earth.
The community’s dedication to movement far exceeded expectations and smashed original targets, with a final count of 17,999 players representing 138% of the initial goal. Over the course of just six weeks, these participants covered an incredible 135,544 miles and recorded 494,284 "Beat Box" swipes across the city.
The Mayor of Colchester, Cllr Michael Lilley said: “It has been an amazing Beat the Street for Colchester. It’s been wonderful to see so many people of all ages taking part and prioritizing their physical and mental health. This game has truly boosted the wellbeing of our residents, helping them build healthy habits that will last even after the game ends.”
“Congratulations to all winning teams who will be invited to a special presentation in June. However, if you have signed up and taken the time to get involved, you should also congratulate yourself for taking action and creating small, achievable lifestyle changes for the long term.”
The Game is Over, But the Journey Continues
To celebrate the city’s achievements and help residents maintain their new active habits, a Love Colchester Celebrations event will be held in June. Everyone is welcomed to join the celebration on 5 June to mark this incredible collective success.
Date: Friday, 5 June 2026
Venue: Firstsite, Lewis Gardens, Colchester CO1 1JH
Creative Exhibition (10am – 8pm): A multimedia display telling the Beat the Street story through poetry, photography, video, and sculpture.
Legacy Market & Festival (3pm – 8pm): A community hub featuring local clubs, societies, live performances, and taster sessions for those looking to stay active.
It is a fantastic opportunity to see the impact of our shared journey through the creative exhibition, discover new ways to stay active at the Legacy Market, and keep the momentum going as we continue to make Colchester a healthier, more connected place to live.