The Challenge

"It's like an assault course for boats" - J.G.

By the time the adventure is complete competitors will have sailed 389 miles through some of the most difficult waters in the UK, cycled 26 miles and run over 60 miles, climbing 14,500 ft in the process. This is no weekend race, this is serious adventure.

LEG 1

Barmouth to Caernarfon - 62 sea miles.

Starting at Barmouth on the West coast of North Wales the teams sail off West, around the Lleyn Penninsula where they meet the first of many tidal gates which impede the yachts at certain states of tide, between the headland and Bardsey Island. From here they turn North East towards their first port of call at Caernarfon. On approaching the port they are met by another tidal gate in the form of the Caernarfon Bar.

Snowdon Run - 24 miles, ascending 3560 ft.

From Caernarfon the first of the running stages commences, and the runners head inland towards Snowdon, whilst the sailors can enjoy a short rest. The route takes the runners along a gently rising road through the Snowdonia foot hills to the Snowdon Rangers Hostel. At this point things take a dramatic turn as the runners are faced with the ascent of Snowdon. Climbing paths that are no more than sheep trails they ascend, pause at the summit, and then descend into Llanberis. From Llanberis they are faced with a further 9 mile run along the valley floor to Caernarfon.

LEG 2

Caernarfon to Whitehaven - 100 sea miles.

Departing Whitehaven on the second longest leg, north across Morecambe Bay, the teams have to first navigate through the Menai Strait, another tide dependent route through one of the most difficult stretches of water in Britain. The Menai Strait is best navigated under power but that is obviously not an option for the competitors. The tides here can run at up to ten knots and the strait thins to less than 100 metres at its narrowest point through the Swellies, a treacherous stretch of waters with eddies, rocks and fast flowing tides. At the Western end of the passage, adverse tides can throw up 2m standing waves as the boats head out into Morecambe Bay. The teams turn north, passing St Bees Head, then face another gate in the shape of a sand bar across the entrance to Whitehaven Locks.

Scafell Pike - Cycle 26 miles, run 18 miles and ascend 3210ft.

Mounting their cycles the runners head out of Whitehaven, and cycle for 9 miles through low lying hills to the Youth Hostel at Ennerdale Water, where they dismount and take to the hills. The Snowdon run now pales as they attack what is in effect a fell running race in its own right, as they traverse Black Sail Pass, descend to Wasdale Head, climb Scafell Pike from the north, decend and are again faced with the daunting task of repeating the struggle of Black Sail Pass and a 9 mile cycle ride back to the boat.

LEG 3

Whitehaven to Ft. William - 227 sea miles.

West out into the Irish Sea the yachts head for the longest, most dramatic and testing section of the whole race. The course takes them west across the Solway Firth to the Mull of Galloway, here they turn north west past the Rhins and across the Firth of Clyde around the Mull of Kintyre and thread their way through the islands littering the Sound of Jura. The scenery in this section of the race is inspiring, and the teams have spectacular views of the Scottish countryside rarely shared by most 'tourists'. Tidal gates, eddies and fast flowing streams make the route up in to Loch Linnhe interesting for all concerned. The grandfather of all tidal gates awaits the teams in the form of the Coran Narrows, just 10 miles short of Fort William - here races are won and lost. The short dash to Corpach basin comes as a relief to the sailors, as they can now rest and leave all the final work to the runners.

Ben Nevis Run - 17.5 miles, ascending 4406ft.

As they leave the picturesque lock at Corpach the runners can view Ben Nevis in all its glory as they head along a flat course to its base. The route of their run skirts the edge of Fort William, through Claggan and out on to the mountain. The route here is a well worn track, winding back and forth to the peak. Although the shortest run, Ben Nevis is the highest, and coming at the end of tiring sailing the mountain takes its toll in sapping the last strength from all runners, but it can also be where the race is decided, with many teams gaining (and losing) that crucial position. The descent on weary limbs is difficult, but spurred on by the thought of a large meal, a stiff drink and the most comfortable and deep sleep they have had in days, the runners find a little something extra and most are able to sprint the final 50 metres through the finish line.

The race itself is a short frantic burst after months of preparation, training, organising, fundraising and soul searching.

Don't ask the teams, at the finish line, if they enjoyed it - leave it a few days.