The 2005 Event

The sun shone on the hardy walkers who braved the rugged moors of the Calder Valley to take part in the inaugural South Pennine Challenge.

The Bank Holiday weekend walk around a specially-designed 50-mile route was helped by glorious sunshine and an impressive turnout of almost 100 prepared to take on the 24-hour challenge, organised by the Community Foundation for Calderdale.

Tricky terrain, night-time walking and sheer distance made it too tough for some to make the full route, but an impressive 41 trekkers completed the course within 24 hours.

Organiser Steve Duncan, who took part with Foundation chairman Mike Payne, said: "I am so proud of everyone involved in the event... the trekkers, the army of volunteers and of course the very generous sponsors - Marshalls plc, Weir Warman Ltd, Southdale Homes and Abbey Well. The support of BMW, Calderdale MBC Community Services, Business in the Community, Raynet Amateur Radio, St John's Ambulance and the Calder Valley Rescue Team were all crucial to the success of the event."

Starting at Mytholmroyd Community Centre, walkers set off up Cragg Vale towards Baitings Reservoir, on to The White House pub, down to Walsden on to Sharneyford, to the route's mid-point at Todmorden High School. From Todmorden, the walk carried on up to Stirperden Bar, then on to Walshaw Dean, over Cock Hill and on to the remote Ovender Moor, to Jerusalem Farm and back down to Mytholmroyd Community Centre to complete the circuit.

Vandals who broke and discarded route markings caused organisers extra work and aggravation, but Calder Valley Search and Rescue were on hand to safely pick up those who struggled to make it round and the vandalism failed to disrupt the May 29/30 event.

'Bronze' medals were given to walkers who made it to at least two checkpoints, 'silver' to walkers who made it to the half way stage and those who mastered the whole route within 24 hours were rewarded with 'gold' commemorative slate medals.

A pasta party on Saturday 28 May meant trekkers were well stocked up on fuel for the day ahead.

View the 2005 results