Ford Ranger Great Lakeland Challenge

England's longest, steepest, highest charity challenge

Friday, 10 September 2010

Challenge yourself to canoe England's longest lake, cycle England's steepest pass and conquer England's highest peak - all in less than 12 hours!

Teams come from all walks of life, from novice fitness enthusiasts to elite tri-athletes.Training is provided to ensure that all teams are fully equipped to tackle one of the toughest challenges in the UK. The Challenge Office offers lots of fundraising support to help all teams reach their target of £3,900.

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Great Lakeland Challenge - the event

In less than 12 hours, teams of three canoe the 10.5mile length of Lake Windermere, cycle 26 miles over England’s steepest road pass, the 1:3 gradient Wrynose and finally, conquer Scafell Pike, navigating an 8.5 mile route from Wasdale Head to the Langdale Valley in the Lake district.

At each changeover, their kit is laid out next to their team vehicle, provided by Ford. The fourth team member, the punctual and reliable team driver, provides all the motivation needed to rise to the challenge of the next stage.

Marshal checkpoints are positioned throughout the stages, to log each team’s progress. They are there to ensure teams’ safety and to provide assistance if necessary, but assisting with navigation is not part of their brief, that is part of your challenge.

At the finish line, teams of all abilities receive a rapturous reception from family, friends, sponsors and organisers. Some head for the massage tent, while for others the priority is the finish line bar and barbecue!

For the tired and weary, the next stage is the most challenging! The evening brings the awards ceremony and dinner at the Langdale Hotel and Country Club. Everyone gathers to celebrate the ultimate achievement – the money pledged to support Wooden Spoon projects across England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

As well as a team vehicle supplied by Ford, each team is supplied with Canadian canoes, paddles, buoyancy aids and challenge clothing. In return teams are asked to raise a minimum amount of £3,900 in sponsorship.

Training weekend - 17/18 April 2010

Each year we hold a training weekend for all challengers, so that we can ensure they are well equipped to complete the canoe section. A full day's instruction is provided by qualified instructors from YMCA Lakeside. Over the course of the weekend, you can chat to other teams, past competitors, the organisers and youmay also get the chance to tackle Scafell Pike and take a look at the cycle section.

Great Lakeland Challenge teams

Some teams return each year to better their times and to try to secure one of the Challenge awards, whilst others participate mainly for the personal satisfaction of completing the event and not necessarily with the aim of being the fastest.

Participants come from all walks of life, butshould have the physical capability and fitness to complete all three sections within the target time of 12 hours.Safety is paramount, each team will be fully briefed and equipped to conquer some of the roughest terrain in England.

Spoon Challenges' sponsors

Ford, the official vehicle supplier to Spoon Challenges, supplies every team with a brand new vehicle, which Groupama insures. Maximuscle and Highland Spring provide the refreshments and the Langdale Hotel and Country Club provides the beautiful surroundings for our evening awards ceremony and dinner.

Great Lakeland Challenge awards

Among the awards are the prize for the fastest teamoverall and a prize for the fastest team to complete each stage. The team who raises the most is recognised with the fundraising bowl.

Points are awarded for both climbing times and fundraising totals and the team with the maximum score is awarded the Challenge Bowl.

Sign up now for the 2010 Great Lakeland Challenge