The Caledonian Challenge - 'The Walk of Your Life'
Since its inception in 1996 the Caledonian Challenge has become one of the biggest and longest running charity sports events on the calendar.
When you sign up to Caledonian Challenge you get to participate in one of the UK's most visually stunning team endurance events. You will experience majestic views of Ben Nevis, the magnificence of Glencoe and Buachaille Etive Mor and the legendary Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park whilst travelling this iconic Scottish walk.
The Challenge was originally created to raise funds for Foundation Scotland, however, if you would like to take part on the event but choose your own charity to raise money for then here are the basic details -
The Basic Details:
- 54 miles in 24 hours
- 13-14 June 2015
- Route follows the Great Glen Way and the West Highland Way from Gairlochy to Strathfillan
- The start is only 2.5 hours drive from Edinburgh, Glasgow or Aberdeen
- You need a team of 4 people plus 2 support crew
- Cost £150 per team member
- Recommended fundraising £400 per Team Member
- In 2013 over 900 participants took part raising £625,498 for Scottish community groups and charities
What's Included on the day:
- A smooth, hassle-free registration on the Friday night before the event
- Live online tracking of you and your team via your team webpage, so your friends and family can monitor your progress during the event
- A stunning way-marked trail, including illuminated night time markers.
- Six strategically located Checkpoints (including the Start and Finish) along the way including water, hot drinks and toilets
- Intermediate drink stations with water and isotonic drinks on most legs
- Over 300 enthusiastic and friendly volunteers to assist, support, and cheer you on
- First aid and medical support throughout the weekend
- A Hero's welcome at the Finish including a Gold Medal and a hearty breakfast!
- Online fundraising facilities for managing your fundraising and encouraging - and facilitating - your donors to give generously
- Exceptional online amenities, including comprehensive guidance on training, fundraising, Support Crew logistics and kit & equipment.
Fitness
As we tell all would-be participants, the Challenge - and their training - is tough, but definitely doable - and definitely worthwhile.
Training and being properly prepared - both mentally and physically - is fundamental to your team's success in the Challenge and the Hike. Because of this, as soon as your team is confirmed as participating in the event, we will provide you with training guidance developed to maximise your success.
Support Crews
Fundamentally, your team's success will rest on the practical support it receives during the Challenge from your Support Crew.
Their role is to help at the checkpoints, provide food, refreshment and supplies, transport kit and clothing, and of course moral support over the course of the 54 miles.
You will need: a maximum of one vehicle (eg: people carrier, mini-van, SUV, campervan or similar), and a minimum of two drivers (one support driver would be acceptable for the Hike)
Poppy Scotland had 4 teams on the Caledonian Challenge in 2013. Here's one of the teams that raised £1550.