RESIDENTS at a Dorset care home are preparing to swap their usual routines for an adventure across the county in a race inspired by the popular TV series Race Across the World.

Elderly residents from the award-winning Heathland House in Ferndown will take part in Race Across Dorset 2026 on Wednesday, March 18 – a playful challenge featuring wheelchairs, walking sticks and plenty of determination.

Four teams of residents from the Cinnamon Luxury Care home will compete to reach a series of Dorset landmarks within a set time and budget.

Their route will stretch from the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum to The Tank Museum, collecting video and photographic evidence at each stop in a race against the clock.

The combined age of the residents taking part is 249 years, with the oldest competitor, Leonard Symonds, aged 88.

Leonard said: “I never thought I’d be doing anything like this at my age. It’s exciting, a bit mad and brilliant!”

The idea for the race came from Deborah Holmes at Heathland House, who wanted to create a memorable and energetic experience for residents.

She said: “Our Race Across Dorset is all about creating a fast-paced, laughter-filled, memory-making adventure. The residents are buzzing with excitement and competitive spirit too!”

One of the destinations on the route will be The Tank Museum, where staff say they are looking forward to welcoming the teams.

Nicola Burgess, education and experience manager at The Tank Museum, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Heathland House to The Tank Museum as one of their destinations in their Race Across Dorset challenge.

“Race Across Dorset is a fantastic initiative and we’re proud to be a part of it. We pride ourselves on being a great day out for all ages and telling the story of tanks and the people who served in them through awe-inspiring and modern exhibitions.

“I wish the teams the best of luck and look forward to seeing how they rise to the challenge as they make their way through the Museum!”

The first team to return to Heathland House after reaching all their destinations will receive a special prize from world record-breaking endurance adventurer Louis Alexander.

World record-breaking endurance adventurer Louis Alexander

Louis is the first and only person to complete seven marathons across all seven continents and swim marathon distance swims in all seven seas. His extraordinary feats have earned him global recognition, and he now serves as an ambassador for the Cinnamon Care Collection, championing wellbeing, connection and meaningful experiences for older people.

Louis said: “Race Across Dorset is such a great way to engage the care home residents. Just because you’re old in years, you can still be young in adventurous spirit!”

After the race, members of the public are invited to attend a free talk titled ‘An Audience with Louis Alexander’ at Heathland House at 5pm the same day, where he will share stories of his record-breaking endurance challenges. Booking is required.