IT WAS a memorable weekend for the Holsworthy Moorland Training Group’s 35 and 45-mile teams, who took part in the Ten Tors challenge recently.

Both teams had been training hard since December and with a dry and windy weekend forecasted the groups set off in good spirits on May 7, at 7am. Always a challenge, this year was no different, but the team brought together all their training and the camaraderie they have, which was most apparent as they were crossing the finish line.

The 35-mile team of William Bromell, Jack Ensor, Joe Meredith, Dominic Fairbrass, James Barriball and Thomas Nancekivell, made a fast start, hitting all their checkpoints ahead of time and camped early at Water Hill.

On the morning of May 8, they rose early and were soon back on their way back to Okehampton Camp to complete the challenge at 11.51am with the whole team home and safe.

The 45-mile team of Emily Shepard, Mitch Acres, TJ Acres, Rory O Neil, Chelsea Greenaway and Elliot Pomer­oy, were also making very good progress.

Unfortunately Mitch was forced to drop out at the end of the day with an illness. This caused a great deal of frustration on his part and sadness for the rest of the team on his behalf.

On Sunday, progress was a little slower. Chelsea was suffering with a knee injury and dropped out at Okement Hill as she felt she would slow the team down and they may miss the cut off. After this set back the team rallied together and put in a sprint to the finish and completed the challenge at 3.17pm.

It was a brilliant effort and a weekend all team members will never forget.

Team manager Tom Mann said: “All team members have done a fantastic job in some very difficult situations.”

The search for a new team manager has not yet been successful, but if anyone is interested, please contact Tom on 01409 254467 or Robert Cole on 01409 253628.