Fitness group sets sights on race recruits

OUTDOOR exercise class operator British Military Fitness is unveiling plans to double its number of customers in Scotland by targeting big events such as endurance races.

The company – which was launched in 1999 by former special forces officer Major Robin Cope, who trained Russell Crowe for the film Gladiator and Matt Damon for his role in Saving Private Ryan – aims to have 2,000 people in its classes north of the Border by the end of next year.

Scotland manager Kieron Ross, himself a former soldier in the parachute regiment, plans to open a second branch in Aberdeen following the success of its operations in Duthie Park, which opened earlier this year.

Ross is using events such as the recent Spartan Sprint obstacle course race at Dalmeny House near South Queensferry to recruit members.

“People who take part in events like Tough Mudder and other endurance races are natural customers for British Military Fitness,” Ross added. “We arrange discounts for our existing members to enter some of these races and then get a team together – it’s a great way for us to recruit more people.”

Ross had members at yesterday’s Shell Corporate Highland Games in Aberdeen and will run taster classes this month for Edinburgh Business Park, NHS Lothian and “Septemberfest” at Broughton High School in Edinburgh.

British Military Fitness already has about 20,000 members in the UK taking part in classes at 115 parks, including 12 in Scotland. The firm recently opened franchises in Wales and South Africa.