Residents are being invited to complete a range of gym activities, equating to a 26.2 mile marathon, in order to win sports prizes.

It is the second task set by Northamptonshire Sports, which is aiming to get 20,000 people doing three 30-minute workouts a week. If it succeeds the region will receive a £1m bonus to go towards sporting facilities.

A spokesman for Northamptonshire Sports said: "With the London Marathon coming up we thought we would challenge everyone to complete a 26.2 mile or 42km challenge.

"You don't have to run, there are a number of activities you can do and you have more than one day to complete the challenge.

"We have converted gym activities into the equivalent of the marathon."

The challenge will take place over the next three months to encourage everyone to get involved.

Different types of exercise have been measured and converted into the equivalent of running, so cross training, cycling and even weight training count.

Activities do not need to take place in the gym – taking the dog for a walk could count towards the final total.

The first challenge was to climb the equivalent of Mount Everest by walking or running for 2,212 minutes.

To get involved, download a form from www.kettering.gov.uk/downloads and record the activities you take part in.

Once you have completed the challenge, send the form to Get Active Co-ordinators, Northamptonshire Sport, 8-10 The Lakes, Bedford Road, Northampton, NN4 7DD. All entries will be entered in the prize draw. The closing date is Friday, June 28.

Are you taking on the marathon challenge? Let us know by clicking here.