The South Pennine Challenge 2006!!

After days & days of rain, it managed to hold of just long enough for the hardy walkers who braved the rugged moors of the Calder Valley to take part in the second South Pennine Challenge and raise money for the Community Foundation for Calderdale.

The Bank Holiday weekend walks around specially-designed 50-mile & 12 mile routes was helped by dry weather and the odd glimmer of sunshine. An impressive turnout of almost 200 prepared to take on the two challenges, organised by the Community Foundation for Calderdale.

Organiser Steve Duncan, who took part 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, Southdale Homes the Halifax, Abbey Well- along with generous donations from McVities & Nestle. The support of Calderdale MBC Community Services, Raynet Amateur Radio, St John's Ambulance and the Calder Valley Rescue Team were all crucial to the success of the event."

Walkers on the Marshals Maxi Challenge started their 50 mile trek at 7am from Mytholmroyd Community Centre. They then set off to Jerusalem Farm, on to the remote Ovenden Moor, over Cock Hill and then on to Walshaw Dean, after Stirperden Bar, walkers reached the route's mid-point at Todmorden High School- here they ate a hot meal and rested. From Todmorden they then went on to Sharneyford, Bellholme Sports Centre, The White House pub and towards Baitings Reservoir, the final leg of the route brought them back down to Mytholmroyd Community Centre to complete the circuit.

Tricky terrain, night-time walking and sheer distance made it too tough for some to make the full route, but an impressive 51 trekkers completed the course within 24 hours.

All of the 96 walkers that set off on the Southdale Mini Challenge completed the course in 8 hours. They left Mytholmroyd Community centre at 9am and set off up Cragg Vale towards Baitings Reservoir and completed the walk at The White House pub, they were then transported back to the community centre.

Certificates were given to all walkers, with a specially designed slate medal going to those that completed the challenges.

A celebration event will be held on Friday 15th September in order to thank all of those that either walked or gave up their time to volunteer to make the event run so well.

Steve added: "We'd like to thank everyone who helped to make the event a success - the project team, the sponsors, the Foundation staff and Trustees, and of course the walkers."

"A party later this year will recognise everyone's efforts and give people the chance to look back and be proud of what they achieved."