Story
Taking place in January 2020, in the depths of winter, the Spine MRT
Challenger is a non-stop 108 mile race between Edale and Hawes (following the
Pennine Way). The “race” includes in the region of 6300m of ascent, with
weather usually being the defining factor (e.g. deep snow; gale force winds;
sideways rain etc.).
The event is continuous in nature, competitors don't have to stop or
sleep on the route and the winners are generally expected to finish close to the 30 hour mark. The overall time available for the route is 60 hours.
I am running the event to raise funds for Oldham Mountain Rescue Team. The team is attempting to raise c. £20,000 to partially fund the cost of a new control vehicle. The current control vehicle has served the team well, but is now over 15 years old and a replacement is needed.
Oldham Mountain Rescue Team is a voluntary organisation whose objective is “to save life and alleviate distress, primarily in upland and mountain areas” without cost or obligation.
The team of 50+ volunteers provide a professional rescue service 24
hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.