2006 Report
Added: Mon, 03 Apr 2006 02:41am by Johnno to Coast 2 Coast 2006
There was blood, sweat and plenty of tears during this years Coast 2 Coast Challenge but none of these prevented yet another successful event.
With record-breaking numbers taking part in the challenge (approximately 460 walkers) it was always going to be an interesting year, and there was not dissapointment.
Walkers arrived at Mawgan Porth on the Saturday morning to be greeted by beautiful sunshine and a clear blue sky. 74 teams passed through admin and set off on the Challenge full of energy and anticipation.
The weather was to hold up for most of the first day, with the forecasted heavy showers staying away, only one particularly heavy (and painful!) hailstorm troubling the walkers.
Of course a previously wet week had certainly moistened the route, with extremely muddy tracks leading to many walkers getting damp and muddy feet. However spirits stayed high and teams plodded on.
This year’s route passed through St Column, Indian Queens, Treviscoe and St Stephen to name but a few. Checkpoints provided the walkers with essential fluids (and not so essential sweets) along the way.
9 teams managed to complete the entire route in the first day, no mean feat when you consider the distance that they covered. Those who fancied resting their muddy feet camped over at 1st Sticker Headquarters, where there were more than 500 campers! First Aid and an on-site podiatrist tended to those who were injured, whereas the catering team tended to those with empty stomachs!
Day 2 once again brought more beautiful weather, and (mostly) refreshed walkers set off for Charlestown, via more mud! The route took teams through Polgooth, and on to Kings Wood, where after a checkpoint, a hill that seemed like Mount Everest awaited walkers.
After the ascent the route began to flatten out, although there was plenty more mud after the previous night’s rain. Teams plodded up the hill through Charlestown and to the final checkpoint, where they were promptly transported back to admin to be handed their certificates for the fantastic achievement.
Completing the Coast 2 Coast Challenge is by no means easy; it takes a great deal of stamina and determination, not to mention teamwork to reach the end. A huge congratulations to all who took part, we look forward to seeing you all in 2007!
