Global fitness franchise Anytime Fitness will launch its 3,000th health club later this month in the UK town of Stroud.

Chuck Runyon, co-founder and CEO of Anytime Fitness, will lead the celebrations by officially opening the venue on Tuesday 24 November. Anytime Fitness now has 60 sites open in the UK, plus clubs in almost 30 other countries, making up a global membership base of 2.5 million.

“Anytime Fitness has opened 3,000 branches in less time than it took McDonald’s, Subway and Dunkin’ Donuts, which shows the commercial strength of the brand and is testament to the commitment of its franchisees,” said Andy Thompson, Anytime Fitness UK chair.

“I’m delighted that all Anytime Fitness members can now use any of our 3,000 clubs which are open 24/7, from Singapore to Qatar to Stroud.”

Having formed 13 years ago in Minnesota, the 24-hour fitness operator has enjoyed rapid growth. The company has set its sights on reaching 200 gyms in the UK in the next couple of years and the selection of Stroud as the site for the landmark opening could be viewed as a statement of intent on the company’s commitment to forging a formidable UK presence.

“We’re delighted to celebrate the 3,000th club opening in Stroud and would like to congratulate Adam (Stroud franchise owner Adam Philips), James (Anytime Fitness UK ops director James Cotton) and all of his team on this momentous event,” said Chuck Runyon, CEO of Anytime Fitness.

“Our members come first: that’s why we’re open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It’s this commitment to convenience and community, providing classes and virtual classes at a mid-range price – as well as the passion of our franchisees – which has made Anytime Fitness such a success.”

To read an interview with Chuck Runyon – from the March 2013 issue of Health Club Management – click here.