Open Three Peaks Challenge Series 2009

richieev · Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 7:09 am Post subject: Well Done..!

A big thank you to all of the teams which took part in the Youth Cancer Trust Three Peaks Challenge.

I know you were all disappointed by the weather conditions on both Scafell Pike and Snowdon, but at least most of you saw the views from the summit of Ben Nevis - something I've still to achieve.

One YCT team deserves extra praise for selflessly using up valuable time on Ben Nevis assisting an injured walker off Ben Nevis, rather than just passing by as so many other members of the public had. This meant they were unable to visit Scafell Pike, nor complete their Three Peaks Challenge.

Despite the horrendous weather on Scafell Pike, and the dangerously high gusts of wind on Snowdon, all teams were safely accounted for, with everyone adhering to safety advice - thank you.

Wasdale MRT dealt with numerous incidents at Wasdale, with a few minor casualties, thankfully none were Merseyventure or YCT related.

Full times and post-event write up will be emailed to Team Leaders in the next few days, via Julie Duggan.

Even though you were not able to visit each of the summits, it was still a challenge just to get to the finish, and you should still be proud of your achievements. The Three Peaks are always there, and perhaps one day, when the weather is on your side, you will attempt them again?

Great to meet you all,

Stay safe,

Richie..
_________________
Regards, Richie

http://open-three-peaks-challenge-2009.weebly.com/index.html
http://users.tinyonline.co.uk/richieev/tp/
www.merseyventure.org

tahoepatrol · Three Peaker Joined: 25 May 2008 Posts: 12

Hi Richie,

Thank you on behalf of Norfolk MRT and Angus the COW, we had a wonderful time and I am happy to say that my team of 7 walkers and 5 support are all safely home, 1350 miles later! We had a really enjoyable time despite the huge dissapointment and have learnt a great deal.

It was really valuable being able to maintain contact with yourselves and getting the info on weather prior to arriving was hugely important. We had time to discuss and mentally prepare ourselves for the changes of plan.

You guys are all so polite, talkative and knowledgable and that really shone through this weekend.

Many thanks from us all, and yes we will absolutely be completing the 3 Peaks Challenge soon!!

Cheers

Chris Very Happy

richieev · Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2008 1:36 pm Post subject:

Youth Cancer Trust Three Peaks Challenge

20th - 21st June 2008

MERSEYVENTURE REVIEW & RESULTS

Merseyventure provided event safety and support for this YCT challenge. Due to the summer solstice, this weekend is traditionally the busiest of the year for Three Peaks Challenges, with many organised and private groups making use of limited facilities and car parking at both Glen Nevis and Wasdale Head. This year was no exception, with 6 other events starting from Glen Nevis on the same day, and a large volume of walkers already on Ben Nevis.

Weather outlook as at Friday am was for cool temperatures, dry in Scotland but risk of heavy showers in northern England and north Wales, winds increasing. Saturday am saw an update with weather warnings of possible gales in England and Wales.

After a Safety Briefing at Chase The Wild Goose Hostel, teams arrived at Glen Nevis for safety equipment issue, kit check and final safety briefing – with teams starting at 5 minute intervals from 1400 hours. 18 teams made the start line.

BEN NEVIS: For most teams, conditions on Ben Nevis were very good, with everyone enjoying a rare panoramic view from the summit. Some later teams encountered a turn in the weather as strong winds began to move in. Team 15, The Orthoplods, slowed considerably to assist an injured walker off the mountain, thus delaying their return to Glen Nevis until 2242 hours, effectively ending their full challenge attempt due to lack of time. Team 11, PC World, also suffered injuries on the descent and after returning at 2252 hours decided to retire from the challenge.

SCAFELL PIKE: Reports from marshals on Scafell Pike suggested very high winds, with a sustained heavy downpour causing local becks and gills to go into spate. Later reports indicated local mountain rescue attending a number of incidents in both Hollow Stones and Piers Gill areas. Teams were warned that the Foul Weather plan may be used, dropping the summit checkpoint to a safer location. At midnight the decision was made to drop the checkpoint to Hollow Stones, and then at 0030, at the request of local mountain rescue, it was dropped further to the ford on Lingmel Gill. Reports from mountain rescue show numerous incidents during the night, mostly involving teams becoming lost, but also some injuries requiring hospital treatment. No YCT teams were injured on Scafell Pike.

SNOWDON: Reports from Snowdon suggested very high winds, but these were not entirely apparent until reaching Pen-Y-Pass. We encountered a number of walkers who had abandoned their walk up the Pyg and Miners Tracks due to injuries after being blown over. None had reached the summit, and the Snowdon Mountain Railway later recorded gusts of around 90mph at the summit. It was decided to again use the Foul Weather option up the Llanberis Path as far as Halfway House, which was relatively sheltered. A further 500 metres to Clogwyn saw walkers again being blown over in gusts of wind.

GENERAL: This is only the second time in 8 years when we have had to introduce the Foul Weather option, and of course all teams were disappointed at not being able to reach the summits on Scafell Pike and Snowdon. It's worth noting that another organised event taking place at the same time allowed teams to continue to both summits.

Out of the teams attempting the Scafell Pike summit, 5 teams were assisted or removed by mountain rescue, 3 teams descended into the wrong valley, and 1 team were removed by ambulance. On Snowdon some 60% of teams abandoned the climb on the Miners Track, and we don't have information regarding injuries, but our marshals noted a number of teams with injuries and ripped clothing, etc.

Although you may have not visited every summit within the 24 hours, you did well to safely reach the end of the challenge, and it was good to see teams still smiling despite what the mountains threw at you..! Well done.

Remember that the mountains will still be there next year, and hopefully the rain and high winds won't... If you should decide to try the Three Peaks Challenge again we wish you clear skies, light cooling breezes, and midge free afternoons.

Best Regards,

Richie Evered
Merseyventure.

RESULTS:
18 Teams registered Fort William
18 Teams started
16 Teams completed
1 Team omitted Scafell Pike (assisting injured party)
1 Team retired Ben Nevis (team injury)

Quickest Team – Team 1 CHS Designs : 20 hours:56 minutes

Times recorded below show arrival times at each checkpoint.
Time recording by Sport Ident
www.sportident.co.uk –
licensed to Merseyventure
_________________
Regards, Richie

http://open-three-peaks-challenge-2009.weebly.com/index.html
http://users.tinyonline.co.uk/richieev/tp/
www.merseyventure.org