A GET-fit initiative has smashed its participation targets just five days after launching.

Councillors had hoped 20,000 people would sign up to Beat the Street, a new physical activity initiative that turns Swindon into a massive game.

Since it was launched by Olympics runner David Hemery last Wednesday, 24,000 people have picked up a Beat the Street card at joined the game.

Collectively, Swindonians have walked, run, cycled and scooted 64,000 miles between the brightly decorated boxes, placed at around half-mile intervals and which must be tapped with a Beat the Street card if you are to earn points for your chosen team in the game.

Stuart Arthur, a Beat the Street coordinator in Swindon, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the response, with thousands of people picking up a card and playing.

“The game is running until October 24, so there is still plenty of time to pick up a card, set up a team and win one of our leaderboard prizes.”

Coun Brian Ford, lead member for health at Swindon Borough Council, welcomed the smashed participation target: "It's absolutely fantastic. It obviously shows that people are willing to get out there and exercise and enjoy themselves.”

For more about Beat the Street, visit: beatthestreet.me/swindon.