There was plenty to be anxious about in the preparations for the 24/7 Challenge. Would enough teams come forward to make the event worthwhile?; was the route too hard?; would people get lost?; could we get enough checkers to make sure all were safe?; and much else besides. Not least, with 24 hours to go and the skies opening on Friday 20 July like never before, would we need boats rather than walking boots!
But, as it turned out, all was well. Nine teams of seven set out at noon on Saturday 21 July from Wrotham in Kent, to walk the 50 miles back to Guildford within 24 hours, with a minimum of four walking at any one time. After an initial sharp shower the weather was mostly kind. An impromptu firework display over Reigate and one of Terry’s hotdogs took us into nightfall in good spirits and although the path beyond Ranmore Common became a muddy trudge, the lightening of the sky before 5.00 in the morning inspired most for the final push – those, that is, who had not already finished!
Team Colborne came in first after 15 hours and 9 minutes; beating Blistering Pace by just over an hour. Steve’s Group of Duke of Edinburgh Award seekers, all aged 14, made it in a very creditable 19 hours. The last of nine came in after 22 hours and 50 minutes and apart from abundant blisters, everyone seemed well and the paramedics were not troubled! Flavia and Vincent, of Strictly Come Dancing fame, presented the cups on Wednesday 25 July, except that for the largest fundraisers, which remains an open race as I write; although we can be confident that at least £10,000 has been added to the kitty.
Our grateful thanks to all who supported us, including at least a dozen Sam’s who participated as walkers or helpers in some way.
There was plenty to be anxious about in the preparations for the 24/7 Challenge. Would enough teams come forward to make the event worthwhile?; was the route too hard?; would people get lost?; could we get enough checkers to make sure all were safe?; and much else besides. Not least, with 24 hours to go and the skies opening on Friday 20 July like never before, would we need boats rather than walking boots! 
became a muddy trudge, the lightening of the sky before 5.00 in the morning inspired most for the final push – those, that is, who had not already finished!
Team Colborne came in first after 15 hours and 9 minutes; beating Blistering Pace by just over an hour. Steve’s Group of Duke of Edinburgh Award seekers, all aged 14, made it in a very creditable 19 hours. The last of nine came in after 22 hours and 50 minutes and apart from abundant blisters, everyone seemed well and the paramedics were not troubled! Flavia and Vincent, of Strictly Come Dancing fame, presented the cups on Wednesday 25 July, except that for the largest fundraisers, which remains an open race as I write; although we can be confident that at least £10,000 has been added to the kitty.
