Angus MacDonald and Alex Blyth of Financial News, were first inspired to create the Caledonian Challenge having experienced the excitement and challenge of Hong Kong’s annual Trailwalker which follows the route of the 100-km MacLehose Trail. Every year hundreds of teams walk the sixty-two miles through the mountains of the New Territories raising many thousands of Hong Kong dollars for charity - HK$90 million has been raised for charity since the first Trailwalker in 1981. Lord MacLehose, Governor of Hong Kong during the 70's and the creator of the MacLehose Trail, was himself a Scot and the mountains of Hong Kong reminded him of his home. For Angus and Alex it seemed appropriate to bring the challenge home to the West Highlands and in 1996 the first Caledonian Challenge took place. At first the challenged were few in numbers but now the event has grown to become the largest corporate annual outdoor fund raising event in Scotland. Teams of four, each representing companies from throughout the UK and beyond, challenged to raise sponsorship money, all walk 54 miles of the historic West Highland Way. During the 24-hour period they pass through some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery. From Fort William heading through Glencoe via the 'Devil's Staircase' to cross the remote Rannoch Moor and onto the bonny banks of Loch Lomond. Logistical support (Check Points) approximately every 10 miles provided by the Services, including despatch riders, medical teams and an emergency helicopter, walker's were in safe hands. Each team has its own dedicated support team providing dry clothes, sun-cream, food, blister treatments and tender loving care throughout the event. To successfully participate, it is essential that you are medically and physically fit, are willing to undertake appropriate training and to abide by the conditions of the event. This includes a commitment to raise a certain amount of sponsorship money; after all, the purpose is to raise much needed funds for local Scottish Charities with an emphasis on the rural community.
If you wish to take up the Caledonian Challenge please enter the details of your team of FOUR PERSONS (over 18) completing the Online Registration Form remembering to include your credit card details for your entry fee. Full details of the event including map, itinerary, tips on training and fund-raising will be forwarded after registration. It is important that all team members complete and sign the authorisation form which will also be enclosed. All participants will receive a Challenge T-shirt and those survivors are given medals! For the more competitive amongst you there are also generous prizes for the best fundraising team and the fastest teams including: best overall, best women's, best mixed, best veteran, fastest financial services, fastest legal services, fastest services and best team with a dog! A particularly coveted trophy is also awarded to the best-dressed walker and another for the last but not least team. For further details, contact Events Director & Co-ordinator : David
Fox-Pitt E-mail: [email protected] Telephone Office: + 44 (0) 131 225 9810
Home: + 44 (0) 1567 820 409
Facsimile: + 44 (0) 131 225 8200
Mobile: + 44 (0) 410 446 332
Address: The Caledonian Challenge;
General Scottish Community foundation - Telephone: + 44 (0) 131 225 9804 Facsimile: + 44 (0) 131 225 9818
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