Rising to The Extra Challenge
by Mary Guild

Just imagine – nearly 10,000 people of all shapes and sizes trekking en masse along a gruelling fifty-four mile stretch of some of the most beautiful, rugged terrain known to man. Some slog.

Cue 14 June 2006 - and the 10th State Street Caledonian Challenge along the West Highland Way. Fort William to Loch Lomond non-stop. Scotland’s number one endurance, fund-raising event.

Cue, too, the accompanying Extra Challenge – an accessible eight-mile long haul across this same West Highland Way – for disabled entrants only. But forget any fond misconceptions of a light stroll in the park. This is seriously stiff outdoor stuff too. Just ask The Intrepid Twenty – the score of disabled adventurers who signed up this year – including three BPF members and seasoned ramblers, Helene McLean, Heather Macdonald and myself – not forgetting Inverness Shop Mobility who generously delivered and collected the requisite scooters, and our trusty group of experienced, able-bodied walkers on hand lest our batteries pack in and we need a push!

	The Extra Challenge begins with a straightforward three-mile run along a scooter/wheelchair-friendly tarmac road. Then the real test begins – a five-mile obstacle course, encompassing rough terrain, potholes, and an Inverness-Edinburgh railway crossing, culminating in an undulating path by some breathtaking forests, lochs and mountains from Bridge of Orchy down to Tyndrum.
	Add for good measure an incessant struggle with the resident rampaging midges ever launching heavy, unprovoked assaults on any unprotected skin – including ones derriere during a comfort stop at one of the many Port-a-loos en route!
	The Caledonian Challenge – and its sister Extra Challenge – though, isn’t just an energetic jolly. It’s about funds as well as fun. Alongside the mud, sweat and tears, the banter and the blisters is charity – and the chance to make a difference and give something back. It all started a decade ago when a group of seventeen undaunted souls climbed some Munros to collect cash for The Scottish Community Foundation.
	Next target was The West Highland Way, and it’s mushroomed ever since, as thousands annually undertake the 54-mile odyssey to raise millions for charities and communities across the land.
Oh, and one can’t omit the pre-hike Pasta Party – a Friday night orgy of carbohydrate overloading, cramming the calories in a convivial social setting in eager anticipation of the day ahead.
	And, yes, we did finish the course! Check the medals and the T-shirts to prove it! And what an immensely satisfying and fulfilling experience it all was, the ideal opportunity to get out and about and enjoy some awesome scenery – whilst helping fill the coffers of many of our most deserving good causes. Each contestant’s entry fee raises £10, to which the sponsors will donate £20 to a UK disabled charity of the participant’s choice.

Fancy a shot yourself? If you’re interested in doing The Extra Challenge in 2007 please contact:

Fiona Lindsay
Chartered Physiotherapist and Event Organiser

Tel: 0131 524 0350
Email: Fiona@scottishcommunityfoundation

Fiona will be delighted to provide you with all the necessary information. Go on! Rise to The Extra Challenge!

Please contact the editor@anAurora.co.uk with any stories or features that you would like us to publish for you.

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