12 May 2003
Western Morning News
Page 8
Youngsters triumph in gruelling test
"Thousands of youngsters took part in the most
rigorous test of their lives at the weekend when they
embarked on the gruelling Ten Tors Challenge across
Dartmoor.
The event, organised by the Army's HQ 43 Wessex Brigade
at Exeter, passed with remarkably few injuries considering
2,400 youngsters were pushed to their limits, some covering
up to 55 miles of tough Dartmoor terrain.
And as the eager walkers crossed the finishing line at
Okehampton Army Camp with their legs trembling and a look of
satisfaction on their faces, organisers described it as one
of the most successful events in recent years.
Lieutenant Colonel Dermot O'Donovan said the whole event
ran very smoothly, with only 27 minor casualties who had to
be airlifted from the route.
In previous years scores of people had to drop out of the
event when high temperatures and major snowstorms caused
problems for walkers. Lt Col O'Donovan said: "We are
very fortunate that we have had near perfect weather this
year, which has helped keep the number of injuries to a
minimum.
"The extensive safety checks that have been carried
out have also helped make sure people are okay." Having
been cancelled two years ago due to the restrictions imposed
by the foot and mouth crisis, organisers feared the event
might have had to be put off again because of the war in
Iraq.
But to their relief, Ten Tors, now in its 43rd year, got
off to a flying start on Saturday morning, with 400 mixed
teams from schools, youth organisations, and service cadets,
ready to put their months of training into practice.
The expedition, which tests the physical and mental
strength of youngsters over a two-day stretch, is regarded
as the country's greatest annual youth challenge over rough
terrain - as an Army spokesman said: "It is an event
which separates the men from the boys." All teams
taking part in the two-day trek cover either 35, 45 or 55
miles, depending on their age, and are required to undertake
vigorous preparatory training.
Andrew Crook, 16, a member of the First Bovey Tracey
Scout Group, who crossed the finishing line at 12.55pm
yesterday after walking 45 miles, said it was the strict
training that had helped his team this year.
"This is the second year we have taken part in Ten
Tors," he said. "And training has really made a
difference. Last year we did very little but this time we
met three times a week to make sure we were prepared."
Oliver Lamb, whose team crossed the finish post first, said
he did not realise until they crossed the line that they
were the first to arrive back.
"We had some idea we would get back before some of
the others, but it is quite a good feeling," he said.
"Now all I want to do is go home and have a bath."
The Army-organised event on Dartmoor is not a race, but
designed to test the participants' will against the
elements.
Lt Col O'Donovan explained: "The spirit of the event
is to complete rather than race the course, with the
emphasis on teamwork and perseverance.
"In many cases it's the first time these youngsters
have worked together as a team and battled against the
elements. They come back to that finish line changed people,
I think, and that's what counts." This year the Ten
Tors Challenge was extended for the first time to a group of
people from outside of the region - the Australian Air Force
Cadets.
Manager Geoff Linthorne has wanted his team to join in
the endurance test since 1986, but never thought he would
get them to Dartmoor because of foot and mouth, the war in
Iraq and the deadly Sars virus.
But as his teams, who were participating in the 35-mile
and the 45-mile hikes, crossed the line, his dream finally
became a reality.
"I wanted them to visit the Westcountry because
there is nothing like this incredible terrain in Australia
and to take part in a challenge like this is fantastic
training," he said.
The air cadets, nicknamed Hawks and Eagles, have been
training for years in soaring temperatures, so they did not
know quite what to expect.
But he said they found the trek hard but very satisfying.
Retired Flight Lieutenant Mr Linthorne now hopes Australian
cadets will be able to take part again.
About 150 other young people with special needs, both
physical and educational, also set off on a 15-mile route
called the Jubilee Challenge. Each team was supported by an
officer cadet from Exeter University on the 15-mile route.
Lt Col O'Donovan said: "It doesn't matter how far
you go, just completing the walk is an achievement. Some of
the less abled people who take part work hard, and it shows
that Ten Tors is for everyone."
