Sea to Summit, a major new fundraising adventure challenge, has confirmed its status as one of the toughest endurance events ever staged on the Isle of Man.
Pre-race predictions that the event would test stamina, fitness and will power to the limit, proved to be accurate.
The brainchild of the Isle of Man Children’s Centre, Sea to Summit gave adventure seekers the opportunity to conquer, under supervision, no less than twenty four 1000 plus foot summits across the Island, in just 24 hours.
The journey covered 46 miles of the most challenging terrain including aggregate climbs of 12,000 feet - equivalent to three trips up Ben Nevis!
The 16 entrants, whose efforts are set to raise in excess of ?4000 for the IOMCC, began their journey on Niarbyl beach at 8am in the morning one mid-July Saturday and immediately set off up the first daunting ascent, Cronk ny Arrey Laa.
Then it was on to South Barrule and Slieau Whallian, before covering all the major peaks around the centre of the Island. The route then turned west towards Slieau Freoaghane and the surrounding hills, ahead of Snaefell.
The final peak facing competitors was North Barrule, followed by the descent into Ramsey and the welcome sight of the finishing line on the beach.
Checkpoints and refuelling stops were placed at regular intervals around the course and safety was of paramount importance, with the IOMCC utilising qualified mountain leaders throughout the event.
Given the time of year, the weather offered few favours. Sunny intervals were interspersed with rain and high winds, along with thick mist on a number of the higher peaks.
Every competitor covered at least 19 miles and six managed to complete the entire circuit.
First to the finish was Ian Collister, one of the Island’s leading endurance race competitors who reached Ramsey in just over 13 hours.
To put his achievement in context, the second group of three arrived nearly six hours behind him at 2.55am.
'What we thought would be a very long walk, actually turned into a real endurance event' said the IOMCC’s Fundraising Coordinator Mark Eastham.
'Having reached as far as Sulby myself, I couldn’t go any further. I really take my hat off to those who managed to complete the course in under 24 hours.'
Juana Warburton along with her friend Kirsty Kregeen hung on bravely to cross the finishing line at 6am, in a time of 22 hours. They may have been the last to finish but they were still well inside the allotted 24 hours.
Juana was quick to praise the role of the mountain leaders who had accompanied all the competitors throughout Sea to Summit: 'They were with us every step of the way,' she said.
'Having taken part in the Parish Walk, this was equally well organised and in future, I am sure this event will gather in momentum because it is the type of challenge which would appeal to both serious athletes and those with a reasonable level of fitness who want to test themselves and take part in something that’s memorable and good for the soul.
'My highlight was walking up North Barrule at 4.30am with the swirling mist below and a beautiful sun rise coming up over the mountain. It will live long in my memory,' said Juana.
Proceeds will to go to Mobex, a part of the charity which utilises the outdoors and adventure to work with young people.
