FITNESS fans brushed aside the lockdown blues to enjoy a day of healthy competition.

The Colchester Bootcamp Games took place at St James’ Primary School to celebrate the easing of Covid restrictions and to raise money for The Samaritans.

More than 80 bootcamp regulars turned up and competed in teams of up to six, taking part in challenging team-building events to win points in each round.

Fun contests included drag races with tractor tyres, tyre flipping and a team relay.

Gazette: CO133527
Boot camp games at St James Primary School, Colchester.
Teams from Colchester boot camps compete against each other.

Gabriel Beckett, who owns and runs the bootcamp company, said: “After a difficult year, it was fantastic to see our members back together at our first big event in over 16 months, since lockdown began last March.

“It was lovely to raise funds for such a wonderful cause and also to raise awareness of mental health.

“We’d like to say a massive thank you to all the businesses that supported us in sponsoring the event. We couldn’t have done it without them.”

Gazette: CO133527
Boot camp games at St James Primary School, Colchester.
Teams from Colchester boot camps compete against each other.

All proceeds from the day, including donations from spectators, went to The Samaritans.

Colchester Bootcamp is aiming to run a similar event next year - except this time “bigger and better than ever”.

* All of these pictures were taken by STEVE BRADING

Gazette: CO133527
Boot camp games at St James Primary School, Colchester.
Teams from Colchester boot camps compete against each other.

Gazette: CO133527
Boot camp games at St James Primary School, Colchester.
Teams from Colchester boot camps compete against each other.

Gazette: CO133527
Boot camp games at St James Primary School, Colchester.
Teams from Colchester boot camps compete against each other.

Gazette: CO133527
Boot camp games at St James Primary School, Colchester.
Teams from Colchester boot camps compete against each other.

Gazette: CO133527
Boot camp games at St James Primary School, Colchester.
Teams from Colchester boot camps compete against each other.

Gazette: CO133527
Boot camp games at St James Primary School, Colchester.
Teams from Colchester boot camps compete against each other.

Gazette: CO133527
Boot camp games at St James Primary School, Colchester.
Teams from Colchester boot camps compete against each other.

Gazette: CO133527
Boot camp games at St James Primary School, Colchester.
Teams from Colchester boot camps compete against each other.

Gazette: CO133527
Boot camp games at St James Primary School, Colchester.
Teams from Colchester boot camps compete against each other.

Gazette: CO133527
Boot camp games at St James Primary School, Colchester.
Teams from Colchester boot camps compete against each other.

Gazette: CO133527
Boot camp games at St James Primary School, Colchester.
Teams from Colchester boot camps compete against each other.

Gazette: CO133527
Boot camp games at St James Primary School, Colchester.
Teams from Colchester boot camps compete against each other.

Gazette: CO133527
Boot camp games at St James Primary School, Colchester.
Teams from Colchester boot camps compete against each other.

Gazette: CO133527
Boot camp games at St James Primary School, Colchester.
Teams from Colchester boot camps compete against each other.

Gazette: CO133527
Boot camp games at St James Primary School, Colchester.
Teams from Colchester boot camps compete against each other.

Gazette: CO133527
Boot camp games at St James Primary School, Colchester.
Teams from Colchester boot camps compete against each other.

Gazette: CO133527
Boot camp games at St James Primary School, Colchester.
Teams from Colchester boot camps compete against each other.

Gazette: CO133527
Boot camp games at St James Primary School, Colchester.
Teams from Colchester boot camps compete against each other.

Gazette: CO133527
Boot camp games at St James Primary School, Colchester.
Teams from Colchester boot camps compete against each other.

Gazette: CO133527
Boot camp games at St James Primary School, Colchester.
Teams from Colchester boot camps compete against each other.

Gazette: CO133527
Boot camp games at St James Primary School, Colchester.
Teams from Colchester boot camps compete against each other.

Gazette: CO133527
Boot camp games at St James Primary School, Colchester.
Teams from Colchester boot camps compete against each other.

Gazette: CO133527
Boot camp games at St James Primary School, Colchester.
Teams from Colchester boot camps compete against each other.

Gazette: CO133527
Boot camp games at St James Primary School, Colchester.
Teams from Colchester boot camps compete against each other.

Gazette: CO133527
Boot camp games at St James Primary School, Colchester.
Teams from Colchester boot camps compete against each other.

Gazette: CO133527
Boot camp games at St James Primary School, Colchester.
Teams from Colchester boot camps compete against each other.

Gazette: CO133527
Boot camp games at St James Primary School, Colchester.
Teams from Colchester boot camps compete against each other.

READ MORE: