Shaping up for record-breaking charity dance

IT'S the latest fitness dance craze that fuses Latin rhythms with aerobics but it's never been done on this scale before.

The world's biggest "Zumbathon" is set to take place in Ingliston next week.

Zumba instructors from Edinburgh are trying to rally as many people as they can for the event to raise money for Scottish care charity Quarriers.

The event has been endorsed by Zumba - the registered organisation behind the workout craze - and is part of a Guinness world record-breaking attempt for the most people doing Zumba for 30 minutes.

Quarriers is expecting up to 1000 people to take part across the country.

A Zumba spokeswoman said: "At each event there will be Zumba instructors on hand to show you exactly what to do. It doesn't matter if you're new to Zumba, absolutely anybody of any fitness level can take part.

"You can take part individually or get a group of friends or family together.

"Zumba basically is loads of fun. It mixes fast and slow Latin rhythms with easy dance routines that help keep you fit."

The event will run simultaneously at the Gorbals Leisure Centre in Glasgow.

Singer and TV personality Michelle McManus, who will be attending the event in Glasgow, said: "Zumba is so much fun and having tried it myself I would encourage anyone to come along and take part.

"It doesn't matter if you've never tried Zumba or how old you are, there's something for everyone.

"As well as bringing so many people together and having fun, all the money raised will go to this fantastic charity.

"I'm really looking forward to helping Quarriers break the world record."

The record-breaking Zumbathon will take place from 1pm-4pm on Sunday, October 24 in The Royal Highland Centre.

Participants should arrive from 11.30am to get their official number and goody bag, with the record attempt starting at 1.30pm.

Quarriers is one of Scotland's largest social care charities. It provides care and support for thousands of vulnerable children, young people, adults and families, who face challenging circumstances such as homelessness, learning and physical disabilities and epilepsy, through its 150 services across the UK.

Participants can register for the event at www.quarriers.org.uk or by calling 01505-610 017 and help raise as much money as possible.