We decided to walk the 100k as a personal challenge to us all. We were keen walkers but had never done over 50 miles before. We all knew people who had suffered from heart problems and more recently my friends nephew who had collapsed while training. A number of the young athletes I train with in our Biathle Club had also suffered from heart conditions and I knew it was a cause that was very close to me.
The event was organised by Pure Challenge and covered 100k across the Forest of Bowland starting and finishing at Slaidburn, covering a number of very high peaks including Catlow Fell. Ideally on a good clear sunny day it would have been perfect, tough but perfect walking conditions, however the elements were against us. With torrential rain and horrendous wind we shouldered on for 18 hours to finally reach our destination at 3am. One of our teammates had to retire at 50 miles which left myself and Joanne to continue until the end. With soggy socks, but a sense of achievement we were two of only nine walkers who completed the course.
Deborah Terras
