SIX members of BOP Tae Kwon-Do recently completed the 11 Tors Challenge on Dartmoor.

Held on Saturday, September 19, the challenge raises much-needed funds for the Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team, and although a last-minute entry, Elias O’Neill, who is a keen wanderer on the moor and experienced navigator, suggested it as a potential team building exercise.

He was joined by Guy Southard, Lisa Southard, Ray Colenutt, Elliot Prettejohn and son Seth Prettejohn.

There was a choice of three possible routes covering different distances, a five-mile route, a 12 mile and a 16 mile. They opted for the main distance, the 12 miler.

On the day, Dartmoor leaned in to make the event a true test of commitment and perseverance as the fog and rain ensured entrants were soaked through. With the visibility being so poor, having an experienced navigator on the team was a clear advantage.

The BOP (Bude, Okehampton and Plymouth) team managed to raise £127.60 for the day, towards the current grand total of £7,760.42.

For those who like facts and figures, there were a total of 399 people in 139 teams setting off from Princetown. Three-hundred and 11 people in 105 teams on the main route raised £4,797, 47 people in 17 teams on the long route secured £992, while 41 people in 15 teams on the shortest route raised £384.

Additional funds were raised from sponsorship and the tuck shop.

There were 10 people on the planning team covering risk assessment and supplies, while there were 29 marshals running the check points on the three courses, with nine staff at the registration desk and another nine actively walking the three different routes and troubleshooting any incidents.

Reflecting on the day, O’Neill later said: “It was an amazing experience, made particularly challenging by the conditions, but for a worthy cause.”