Media Resources
June 2010
FUNDRAISERS COMPLETE THE ‘WALK OF THEIR LIFE’ AS £1 MILLION GENERATED IN EPIC 24-HOUR HIGHLAND CHALLENGE
Over 1,000 enthusiastic Participants, supporters and volunteers put their best foot forward to finish the Tennents Caledonian Challenge 2010 and raise unrestricted funds for some of Scotland’s most isolated communities.
Teams of fundraisers from Peterhead to Pennsylvania took on the huge physical endeavour of completing 54 miles from Gairlochy through the Great Glen and West Highland Way to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park in less than 24 hours.
During the trek, considered to be Britain’s most spectacular, physical and mental team challenge, walkers undertook an average 108, 000 steps – the equivalent of a double marathon and two ascents of Ben Nevis - and burnt off around 10,000 calories. Over the 24 hours they drank 10,000 litres of water, consumed 5,000 Tunnocks Caramel Wafers and applied 6,000 plasters to tired and sore toes.
Highlights include:
· Fastest team were The Bates Brothers who completed in just under 12 hours
· Highest fundraisers were Team CJR who have raised over £21,000 so far
This is the fourteenth Caledonian Challenge and since its inception in 1997, tens of thousands of people have raised more than £10million for local projects throughout Scotland. All the funds that Participants raise will go to the Scottish Community Foundation to distribute as grants to help enhance the lives of thousands of people in Scotland through much-needed local community based services and projects.
John Mercer, Scottish Community Foundation Event Director, said; “We’re incredibly proud of the all of the Tennents Caledonian Challenge 2010 teams for working together to take on this huge physical achievement. We have had a hoard of Vikings, a gaggle of Welsh dragons and the fashionable Sex in the City lookalikes alongside some of the country’s elite athletes and hundreds of dedicated walkers, support crew and volunteers. It was an amazing weekend which would not be possible without the dedication of the people who take part, their support teams and the fund-raising generosity of their family, friends and colleagues. So a huge thank-you to you all, we look forward to seeing you again next year!”
Mike Lees, Managing Director of Tennents said; “We’re delighted to have played a part in this unique Scottish charity event and are in awe of everyone who has taken on this huge challenge. Tennents has a proud track record of investing in initiatives that create real benefits for Scottish communities and Tennents Caledonian Challenge 2010 is an extension of this heritage. Well done to all the teams for competing in this epic journey! ”
ENDS
For further media information or additional information on team times and achievements, please contact Stripe Communications: caledonianchallenge@stripecom.co.uk / 0131 561 8628/ 07808 773 898.
Notes to Editors:
What is the Tennents Caledonian Challenge 2010?
The Tennents Caledonian Challenge 2010 offers you ‘The Walk of Your Life'. The goal is for teams of 4 to 6 people to complete 54 miles in 24 hours, whilst helping to support some of Scotland’s most isolated communities. In terms of physical endeavour it is the equivalent of completing two London Marathons and two ascents of Ben Nevis all at once.
The Tennents Caledonian Challenge 2010 is a fundraising event run exclusively in aid of the Scottish Community Foundation, a registered Scottish Charity (SCO22910). It is organised and promoted by SCF (Events) Ltd., a wholly owned trading subsidiary of the Foundation and a registered Scottish company. (SC308253).
‘Caledonian Challenge’ is a registered trademark owned by the Foundation and used under agreement.
What is the Scottish Community Foundation?
The Scottish Community Foundation is the only organisation of its kind in Scotland and was founded in 1996. In 2008/09 the Foundation made 800 hundred grants, from £250 to £250,000 each, totaling over £3million.The Scottish Community Foundation grants reach every sector of society in every corner of Scotland; from under fives and over seventies to arts groups and disadvantaged teenagers; from the rural Highlands and Islands to the Scottish Borders, isolated rural areas to crowded inner cities.
Event Sponsors Tennent Caledonian Breweries
This year, the event is sponsored by Tennent Caledonian Breweries UK Limited, a subsidiary of C&C Group PLC.
www.Drinkaware.co.uk . Drink with respect for yourself and your mates.