This just in from Alan Roberts at the WAAT4 Challenge...
The WAAT4 Challenge is a walking event which is held every year in the Brecon Beacons. It starts and finishes at Parc De Pugh, Brecon Rugby Club but in between, competitors need to navigate 30km or 40km around the Beacons (which incorporates Pen-y Fan) through a number of checkpoints on route. It is an arduous event and is for anyone to take part in.
It’s one of the best navigation events in the outdoor calendar!
This year, teams from all over the UK took part, including a large number of teams from the local community, showing their support. The event proved to be a huge success with 106 teams taking part, some 530 competitors in total.
Over the last 6 years we have raised just under £200,000 for various charities and good causes and
this year all monies raised will go out to the much needed charities and good causes such as, Brecon Mountain Rescue, Wales Air Ambulance, Helen Davies Memorial Fund, Stroke Association, Brecon Young Firefighters, Brecon Dementia Friendly Community, SAS Regimental Clock Tower Fund, Cancer Research Wales and Larche.
On Saturday 20th June we started with the 40km teams arriving at the start point at 06:30am to check their maps and pick up their pack lunches. The atmosphere was buzzing with all the teams eyeing up the competition and the friendly banter was clear to see. At 07:00am the claxon sounded across the air with a loud cheer as the competitors began the arduous 40km route.
At 07:30am the less demanding 30km teams began to arrive for last minute checks. After a small spot check inspection of some of the team’s kit, the competitors began to mingle around the start point anticipating the claxon. Once again, on the sound of the horn and aloud cheer, the teams began the 30km route.
The weather this year was a mixed bag of sun and rain. Some say perfect walking weather, however throughout the day the event safety officers monitored the route and with an extra checkpoint added for safety and extra water on hand kept up the moral of the competitors, which was clear to see when the photographs came back towards the end of the day with many beaming smiles caught on camera.
This year we had our first wheelchair competitor Jamie McAnsh enter the challenge with his team and what can we say; Jamie, you and the rest of the team have shown everyone, it doesn't matter what the challenge, if you try you can achieve your goals in life.. well done.
A few words from Jamie; Hello everyone my name is Jamie I am a wheelchair user I have a neurological condition and this reduces the use and mobility in my legs. I complete loads of different challenges and push myself to try new things my aim is to inspire others to reach their goals not matter what their ability or disability and would like to share my video (please go to my facebook page or WAAT4 to view) of me climbing to the summit of Pen Y Fan in this year's 2015 WAAT4 30k challenge. I hope you enjoy and thank you so much for the many messages I have already received.
Below: Jamie and team - nearly there
Well done to everyone who took part in this great event and for helping us to raise money for charity and all the good causes out there.
Below: Jamie McAnsh and team reach Pen Y Fan
All of the teams that took part were then able to relax, put their feet up and enjoy a presentation on the evening , whilst enjoying a Drink and BBQ.
The winners of the 40k route “Might Contain Nuts” finished in 4hrs 15mins, and “Hardly Athletic” finishing the 30k route in 3hrs 33mins. Remember Competitors “We've Earned It!”
“The organisers would like to thank our sponsors for the event as without their assistance the event would not be as successful as it has been and we hope to continue to have their support for the coming years….. These include Dyfed Powys Police, Landmarc Support Services, Brecon Carreg, Likes Landrover, RWS Consulting, Barclays, Owen Sports, Police Crime Commissioner, Jenkins & Son Timber and Builders, Brecon Rugby Club, EDF Energy, Matthews Jeweller and View Web Design and the many local businesses who donated supplies and raffle prizes.
We would also like to say a big thank you to all the volunteers who manned the Checkpoints, Timekeepers, Observers, Army Cadets, Brecon Mountain Rescue, Wales Air Ambulance and thanks to the WAAT4 Challenge Committee on the day.. Well done all!
Should Members of the Public wish to make a donation to the WAAT4 – You can do this via our online secure payment facility at www.waat4.co.uk
“Once again this year has been a great success and it is hoped we can add monies to the total and next year we hope to make the event bigger and better to help so many good causes out there.”
Total amount raised for 2015 will be announced soon!..
WAAT4 – Working as a team for the vulnerable within the communities.
More stories