CARE 24 Peaks Challenge Post-Event Report

Teams arrived at Gatesgarth Farm in Buttermere on Saturday morning to climb the first of Day One’s ten peaks. This included Scafell Pike - the highest mountain in England. All participants were in high spirits - despite the 5am start - and the weather was cool, which helped the teams along.

Everyone completed the first ten peaks in good time, though teams later reported Day One to be the toughest of the two days. The first team to cross the first day’s finish line at Stool End Farm in Langdale Valley was team Urban from Lexicon Partners. The remaining teams followed steadily with the warm, sunny weather enabling them to enjoy spectacular views as they descended the final mountain. After some respite, teams were ready for Day Two of the challenge.

It was another early start on Sunday morning, with teams arriving at the start location of Kirkstone Pass National Trust Car Park at 5am. All participants were feeling enthusiastic despite the sore knees, legs and feet from the previous day’s hiking. Everyone also seemed motivated to complete the 14 peaks before the 3pm kick off for England’s World Cup match!

Teams descended Great Dodd, spurred on by the long-awaited sight of the finish line at sunny Grovebeck Fold, Dockray. The first team, team Urban from Lexicon Partners, crossed the line at 10.51am. The remainder of teams followed, to the cheers and congratulations of CARE staff, volunteers and support crew.

All participants completed the challenge in a great time and deserved the well-earned drink and celebratory meal at the Low Wood Hotel. Prizes were awarded after dinner, with the fundraising prize awarded to team Education, from Talbot Underwriting Ltd (pictured top right crossing the finish line), who raised over £11,000, which is an amazing achievement.  The award for the fastest team went to team Urban, from Lexicon Partners (pictured above left), who completed the challenge in the fantastic time of 16 hours and two minutes. This also goes down as challenge record so congratulations to all team Urban walkers! The team spirit award went to none other than team Shelter, a mixed team from Aspen and Tulchan Communications, who were on fantastic form over the two days and thoroughly entertained the challenge staff and volunteers with their singing at the summit of each mountain.

Everyone enjoyed the weekend, and the CARE Challenge Team would like to take this opportunity to thank all walkers, support crew and volunteers for their efforts. It was wonderful to have so many up-beat, fun teams on board.  It was a gruelling challenge, but the amount of funds raised for CARE was absolutely fantastic.

As mentioned by CARE’s Finance Director, Mark Salway, at the event reception, CARE relies on unrestricted funds, which are vital to CARE as these funds can be used where the need is greatest. Once again, a huge thank you to all who took part.

Final Times