Yard Games at Bluecoat Sports is a high-energy fitness event taking place on Saturday, 11th July 2026 in Horsham, West Sussex. Held on our brand-new athletics track, the event challenges participants to complete a series of strength, endurance and metabolic exercises before sprinting to the finish line.
Open to participants aged 16+, Yard Games is a friendly competition where people of all abilities can compete either solo or in pairs. The focus isn’t just on who can win, but on creating an exciting atmosphere filled with community spirit, encouragement and shared achievement.
In this guide on how to prepare for Yard Games, we’ll explore some of the best ways to get ready for the fitness challenge, from building strength and endurance to arriving confident and prepared for the day.
To secure your place, now is the perfect time to book, with a discounted early-bird entry offer available until 22nd March.
If you have any questions about this event, contact us on 01403 247572, and we’ll be happy to help.
What to expect from Yard Games at Bluecoat Sports
Yard Games at Bluecoat Sports in Horsham is designed to challenge participants on multiple levels by blending strength training, endurance, track running and metabolic exercise into one exciting course.
An example programme (subject to change) includes:
- Run 400m
- Deadlifts – 20 reps
- Kettlebell Overhead Press: 20 reps
- Run 400m
- 100 x Ground To Over Head Plate
- 100 x Burpees
- Run 400m
- 2000m Ski Erg
- 2000m Rowing Erg
- Run 400m
- 120m x Walking Lunges
- 100m x Bear Crawl
- Sprint to the finish line
Some stages test raw strength, some push endurance and cardiovascular fitness, and all require determination and focus. Ultimately, Yard Games encourages participants to push themselves while enjoying the moment.
Please note that the final programme will be sent to all registered entrants prior to race day.
How to prepare for Yard Games
Preparing for race day doesn’t mean you need to be an elite athlete. In fact, not everyone entering the event has a competitive background. Many participants simply want to try something new, challenge themselves and enjoy the experience with friends.
However, some structured training will help you feel stronger and increase your chances of meeting your own personal goals for the event. Allowing yourself around 6-8 weeks of consistent training can be a great way to build confidence and improve your overall fitness.
Build full-body strength
Several parts of the course will require strength-based movements, whether that involves deadlifts, presses, lunges, or other challenges that may be in the final programme. As a result, you’ll want to train your legs, core, and upper body.
Strength training in particular will help build the muscles you need to move efficiently. To prepare, it would be beneficial to focus on exercises such as:
- Deadlifts
- Squats
- Overhead presses
- Lunges
- Core stability work
These movements can help your body cope with the physical demands of the course while also reducing the risk of injury.
When training, consistency is often more important than intensity in the beginning. Over the next few months, start gradually, allow your body time to adapt, and include rest days so your muscles can recover.
For support, our personal trainers are available to help create a tailored fitness plan, and strength training classes with our skilled instructors can be booked online.
Improve endurance and cardio fitness
Good cardiovascular fitness will help you maintain energy, move efficiently between exercises, and stay focused as the competition progresses.
Fortunately, building endurance doesn’t require complicated training. The key is to include regular cardio exercise in your routine to help strengthen your heart, improve stamina and support overall physical performance.
You could incorporate activities such as:
- Steady-paced running or jogging
- Cycling or spin sessions
- Rowing machine workouts
- Swimming or other low-impact cardio
- Circuit training that combines strength and cardio movements
These types of sessions help condition your body to sustain effort for longer periods, which can make a big difference. Over time, consistent cardio training will help your muscles use oxygen more efficiently, reduce fatigue and allow you to perform with greater confidence during the challenge.
Take a look at our aerobic classes to help you prepare.
Practice hybrid training
Many fitness events and functional workouts require you to switch between different types of exercise, such as cardio and strength movements. Training in this way can help your body adapt to changing demands and maintain performance when your muscles are working hard.
A simple way to do this is to combine different activities into a single training session. For example, you might alternate between short bursts of cardio and strength exercises in a repeating round.
This type of hybrid training helps improve overall fitness, build endurance, and prepare you to perform effectively during a varied challenge like Yard Games.
Train your grip, core and stability
Building strength in your core, grip and stabilising muscles can make a big difference to how well your body handles physical exercise. A strong core helps support posture and balance, while good grip strength improves control when lifting or holding equipment.
Including exercises that target stability can also help reduce the risk of strain and support overall physical performance.
Examples include:
- Farmer’s walks (also known as farmer carries)
- Planks or other core holds
- Hanging holds for grip strength
- Rowing machine workouts
Training these areas builds muscle resilience, allowing you to perform movements more efficiently and approach challenges with greater confidence.
Build confidence as the day approaches
Preparing for a fitness event like Yard Games can bring a mix of excitement and anticipation as the day approaches. Feeling a few nerves is completely natural, and focusing on a positive mindset can help you stay relaxed and make the most of your training.
As you prepare, try to set realistic goals based on your current fitness and build your routine gradually. Consistent training, allowing time for rest, and looking after your body can all help build confidence in the weeks leading up to the event.
On the day itself, focus on enjoying the experience and celebrating the effort you’ve put into your preparation. With the supportive atmosphere at Yard Games, it’s a great opportunity to challenge yourself while enjoying the encouragement of fellow participants and spectators.
Train for Yard Games at Bluecoat Sports
Training at Bluecoat Sports is a great way to prepare for Yard Games. Our facilities provide everything you need to build strength, endurance and overall fitness ahead of the event.
Members can have access to:
- A fully equipped gym
- Cardio machines, including rowers and ski ergs
- Strength and functional training areas, including The Fitness Yard
- A range of fitness classes
- A 25 metre swimming pool
Becoming a member of Bluecoat Sports allows you to train consistently, use our facilities and access expert support as you get ready to compete.
Summary
Taking part in Yard Games at Bluecoat Sports is a great opportunity to challenge yourself, try something new and be part of a supportive fitness community. With a mix of strength, endurance and functional exercise, the summer fitness challenge offers a fun and rewarding way for participants of all abilities to get involved.
By building a consistent training routine, improving your fitness, and giving your body time to recover, you can approach Yard Games feeling prepared and ready to enjoy the experience.
If you’re looking for somewhere to train, becoming a member of Bluecoat Sports gives you access to the gym, fitness classes and training areas to help support your preparation. See all our upcoming events and activities.
Enter today with our early-bird price
If you’re planning to participate, secure your place early with the reduced early-bird entry price, available until 22nd March. Every entrant receives a bespoke finisher medal, an exclusive event t-shirt, and free parking at Bluecoat Sports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be very fit to participate in Yard Games?
No. Yard Games is open to participants of all levels. While some training can help you feel more confident, the fitness challenge in Horsham is designed as a friendly competition where people of all abilities can take part.
Do I have to compete on my own?
No. Participants can enter Yard Games either individually or as a pair. Pairs can be same or mixed gender, making it a great way to take on the challenge with friends and support each other throughout the event.
What should I bring on competition day?
Wear comfortable training clothes, supportive running shoes, and bring a water bottle and any food you may need. Arriving well-rested and fuelled will help your body perform throughout the event.
