54 mile adventure challenge

28 FEB2009

Organisers of the RBS Caledonian Challenge which sees 1500 hardy walkers tackle the 54 mile course in 24 hours have thrown down the gauntlet to Scotland's adventure racers, ultra marathon runners and fell and trail runners.

If you want to run the RBS Caledonian Challenge route on the June 13/14, 2009 and think you can finish in less than 16 hours then you could compete as part of the Elite team category. However if you want to respond to the challenge you'll have to move fast as entries close on March 30.

Teams can have two to four members but they must be of equal fitness and start together, stay together and finish together on the trail. The 54 mile course includes ascents equal to scaling Ben Nevis twice and despite taking place in the height of summer conditions can vary greatly so each team must bring their own emergency beacon. The support crews necessary for walkers won't be needed here and the Challenge organisers will transport your kit from checkpoint to checkpoint through the course. At least one team member must either have sound experience of adventure racing, fell running or have completed the Challenge previously.

The fastest ever time to complete the course is 9hrs 38 minutes, so get your elite team together and you could win one of the coveted elite category trophies. The epic journey will take you through some of Scotland's most remote, rugged and stunningly beautiful landscapes. In less than a day, you will experience the majestic views of Ben Nevis - the UK's highest mountain, the splendour of Glen Coe, the wilds of Rannoch Moor and the scenic Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park.

For endurance competitors this event provides the ideal focus for any fitness regime. Entry costs are £150 with a minimum fundraising commitment of £750 per team member with all monies raised going to the Scottish Community Foundation.

Visit The Caledonian Challenge website or telephone 0131 524 0350 for more information. Entries close on March 30, 2009