Durham Cricket Association of Cricket Officials challenged their members to collectively walk 390.6 miles – equivalent to the distance of visiting every cricket ground in the county – during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Association set up the “Around the Grounds” challenge during lockdown to connect with their members and get them to work towards a common goal.
Durham’s ACO drew a virtual route to visit all cricket grounds across the county, including Emirates Riverside, with the journey starting from Barningham Cricket Club and ending at Burnopfield Cricket Club.
Durham ACO members have now completed 2.4 laps around Durham’s cricket grounds, having accumulated 933 miles in walking, running or cycling.
At a time when umpires and scorers across Durham would normally be officiating in fixtures, the initiative has uplifted spirits and encouraged officials to stay active.
Harry Stephenson, Durham Cricket ACO Chairman said: “As an association it has been very pleasing to see our officials take part in the ‘Around Grounds’ initiative to stay active and healthy through this lockdown period.
“Around 15 members have been involved, clocking their daily miles while out and about and in their homes.
“Although we don’t have any games to umpire or score, to have our members completing a group initiative is fantastic and I am delighted with the number of miles we have already hit just at the start of June. It is vital that we stay connected through this pandemic.”