A tourism body today launched the “London Heart Trail” to encourage walking in the city as the capital welcomes 35,000 cardiologists for an international congress.
The interactive walk along the South Bank, between the London Eye and Tower Bridge, was kicked off by the cast of West End show Annie Jr.
The trail has been designed to encourage people to get active and learn about the impact a healthy lifestyle has on the heart.
Participants have a chance of winning prizes by taking part in various challenges on the London Heart Trail App.
Locations along the route include City Pier and the London Eye.
The trail has been created to coincide with the five-day European Society of Cardiology congress at ExCeL London, expected to generate more than £100m for the capital.
The congress starts on August 29 and is one of the largest cardiovascular events in the world.
The event takes place just over a year after Mayor Boris Johnson launched MedCity - an organisation that aims to help the life sciences industry in London.
Mr Johnson said: “It’s an honour to welcome thousands of international cardiology experts to London. The focus of the medical world will once more be on our great city as a leader in science, education and medical innovation, making it the perfect opportunity to also get Londoners and visitors thinking about the simple steps they can take to look after their health. Walking is one of the best – and healthiest - ways to explore the capital and the London Heart Trail App will signpost some of our greatest attractions, whilst learning about our own health and wellbeing at the same time.”
The walk by VisitLondon.com will run until September 3 and is free to enter, with an optional charity donation to the British Heart Foundation.
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