The standard Three Peaks Challenge involves teams climbing the highest mountains of Scotland, England and Wales, usually within a 24 hour period. The huge increase in numbers of groups taking part in the challenge to raise funds for charities has led to a number of critisisms from various local and national bodies, as well as local residents.
However, the new Three Peaks Mountain Rally Challenge may be set to increase the contoversy as it requires teams to climb more than the 3407 metres of the national event, whilst increasing the distance travelled between the mountains.
Richard Evered, the Event Director of the Mountain Rally Challenge, stated "It's time to introduce a challenge just as demanding as the national 3 Peaks and with the same prestige, but without causing disturbance and pressure on local communities which some large charity events appear to do".
Event organisers, Merseyventure, outlined the event as requiring teams of 4 climbers and 2 drivers to "climb, and travel between, mountains in Scotland, England and Wales equivilent or higher than that of the Three Peaks Challenge - 3407 metres". The event will offer teams a choice of mountains from each country, and teams must visit border checkpoints when crossing country borders. Some have already dubbed this event as the Gumball Three Peaks.
Richard Evered continues "This event requires teams to plan routes and strategies on the move, and good logistics, communications and teamwork are as important as climbers fitness and navigational skills".
The event, planned to start from Glasgow on the evening of Friday 23rd September 2011, will finish 36 hours later somewhere in southern England. Final details will only be revealed to teams as the event starts.
No charity fundraising is required - and the organisers are offering £1000 cash prize to the first team to finish.
For further information please contact:
Richie Evered, Merseyventure Events, mobile 07976 589 818, or email richie@merseyventure.com
Full event details at: http://threepeakschallenge2011.weebly.com/
