Teams and their support crew arrived at the Glen Nevis Visitors Centre on Saturday morning with an air of excitement and trepidation, where they were greeted and reassured by the CARE Challenge Team and volunteers. After a series of briefings, teams were all kitted up and ready to start their ascent of Ben Nevis (1,334m) All were graced with near perfect walking weather and rewarded with stunning views of the Scottish Highlands. It was fantastic to welcome to the event for the first time a team from one of the Kaplan USA offices, Team Health, who had crossed the Atlantic to take on a challenge in the UK.

After a safe descent it was time to hit the road as support crew drove their teams through the night, heading for the Lake District and Southwaite Services for refreshments and safety briefings for Scafell Pike (978m) From there it was to Seathwaite Farm and a crack of dawn start for mountain number two - Scafell Pike. Well known for being the toughest, if not the highest, climb in the challenge, with a boulder field to tackle. With Scafell under their belts, it was time for the last leg of the journey, courtesy of the fantastic support crew, to North Wales and the last peak on the list - Snowdon (1,085m)

The great weather continued for teams as they were greeted with sunshine and blue skies in Llanberis as they prepared for their final ascent. Their efforts were well rewarded with stunning views across Wales and of the ocean in the distance. Then it was time to make the final descent to the much anticipated Finish line where all were cheered in by their support crew, fellow teams, Kaplan staff and the Challenge Team and volunteers. Kaplan also rewarded all participants with their very own Challenge rucksack to commemorate their achievement along with their Challenge medal.

Special mentions must go to Team Farming, Geldards LLP, who completed the Challenge in the fastest time of 23 hours 29 minutes. They were closely followed by Team Darfur, Kaplan Head Office, in a time of 23 hours 38 minutes. Team Dignity, from Deloitte & Touche, won the Litter collecting prize as they handed over bags full of rubbish, helping us to ensure the areas we use are left in a better condition when we leave than when we arrive. Team Shelter, Kaplan Financial Leeds & Newcastle, were presented with the Fundraising prize after their pledge of £7,000 beat the rest, a fantastic effort. A special mention must also go to Team Education, CIMA, whose four legged friend provided entertainment for all and completed the Challenge to earn her own medal!

CARE Challenge Manager, Michele Evans, had this to say: "A great third year for the Kaplan 3 Peaks Challenge! Teams were blessed with perfect walking conditions and achieved a lot over the weekend. The biggest achievement of all has to be the fundraising total for this event, funds that will make a real difference supporting CARE International's poverty fighting programmes overseas. We must also extend our warmest thanks to Kaplan for their continued support of this Challenge."

Team Results