Step up to a charity challenge on the coast this October, suggests Alex Green of the South West Coast Path
Following the successful South West Coast Path Challenge in 2015, the next great stomp for charity takes place this October to raise funds to help protect this National Trail. Thanks to the charity partnership between the South West Coast Path Association and the National Trust, the inaugural event saw more than 700 people clocking up around 9,000 miles and raising thousands of pounds in sponsorship.
We hope even more people will take part this year to help beat the record set for the number of miles people clock up on the Coast Path in one month with either a walk or a run, while helping to raise vital funds. It costs at least £1,000 to maintain just one mile of Coast Path and an additional £2,000 for the National Trust to take care of the countryside that surrounds it, so every mile counts.
Patron of the event for the second year running, Devon based TV adventurer and broadcaster Monty Halls is one of the Coast Path’s biggest fans and says: “This is one of the most magical trails in Europe and a great way to get into nature. The October Challenge is one of the ways that we can do that and raise money. I’d encourage everyone to create their own challenge, to get out there and enjoy the Path and raise a bit of money while you do it.”
You could start your South West Coast Path adventure by joining a 10 Mile organised walk from Minehead on Saturday 1 October or help us celebrate the end of the month-long Challenge event by walking the last 10 Miles of Coast Path to Poole on Saturday 29 October.
There are running events too, including a 17.5 trail run from Mill Bay in East Portlemouth to Little Dartmouth on Sunday 2 October. There’s also a four-mile evening torchlit walk from Coleton Fishacre to Froward Point, Friday 14 October.
Or you could organise your own event as a great excuse to get family and friends together to enjoy an afternoon beside the sea.
It’s as easy as choosing a date in October, a location on the Path and the number of miles – then register your Challenge via the event website southwestcoastpath.org.uk/events/challenge or by calling 01752 896237.
To register costs £10 per person, with a minimum sponsorship of £10 to contribute towards Path improvements and repairs. Without this funding the Association would not be able to carry out its work to protect the Path for future generations. You’ll receive a registration pack containing tips and hints on how to fundraise, a sponsorship form and a 2016 Challenge t-shirt to help you show your support.
What will your challenge be?
Register online at southwestcoastpath.org.uk/events/challenge-2016
