World's first zorbing 'marathon' coming to London

London is set to host a marathon of a different kind, as a self-styled ‘Zorbathon’ – something akin to a zorbing marathon – takes place one weekend this summer. Organisers are billing it as a world-first.

On July 16 and 17, the Southbank will host the event, which lets Londoners run around inside giant inflatable balls for as little or as long as they like.

Unlike the traditional marathon, participants won’t have to sweat it out across the city: instead, zorbers will roll their way around around a short track laid out on the riverbank. Each lap completed by a Londoner will add to the capital’s total, which will be accumulated over the three days. London’s total mileage will then be displayed in other cities when they later take up the challenge. Whichever city zorbs the greatest distance will be crowned the winner so naturally, a good turn-out is essential for the capital to mercilessly crush its competitors.

Bounce energy balls are hosting the event, which is completely free, and each competitor will walk away with a goodie-bag.

After July 17, the zorbing roadshow will wobble its way towards other towns and cities, finally deflating after a last hurrah in Birmingham.