JANKEL 3 PEAKS CHALLENGE
Tuesday 20 July 2010
From 16-17 Jul 2010 13 members of the Jankel Group took part in the Three Peaks Challenge, a climb of the highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales in 24 hours, to raise money for the Royal British Legion.
Setting off from work in Weybridge early on Friday, the drive up to Fort William was pleasant, if overshadowed by the ever-worsening weather forecasts from all three peaks! Starting Ben Nevis at 1715 hrs the team overcame gale force winds and constant heavy rain all the way to the summit, but managed to complete the mountain within 4 hrs and 15 minutes, ahead of schedule. Scafell Pike proved trickier navigationally and was started in the dark. Overcoming a bit of discomfort by this point the team completed this peak with a few accumulated injuries in more pouring rain, but was back in the car park in 5 hrs 15 minutes.
Driving to Snowdon was completed with wet clothing distributed all over the air vents on maximum heat, plenty of flapjacks and a small chemist’s stock of anti-inflammatories. The final peak was started at 1300 hrs on Saturday; a fast pace up the Pyg track got the team to the top in 1 hr 45 mins for a very happy final photo. By this point, various knee and ankle injuries led to the Miner’s track being chosen for the descent, and a steadier pace to the finish.
An exhausted but very pleased team completed the Challenge in a total time of 23 hrs, 45 mins and 22 secs. A total sum of over £10,000.00 was raised for the Royal British Legion, thanks to very generous sponsors and a significant contribution from the company, who matched the team’s sponsorship.
Entries and ideas are welcome for the next challenge; current contenders are a pie-eating competition and the Devizes-Westminster Canoe Marathon. Watch this space…
