Organisers of a Lake District charity hiking event that will take place next month have issued a final call for participants to sign up.
The annual 10in10 Challenge and Family 5in5 Challenge will see hundreds of fundraisers climb iconic Lakeland fells in aid of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Sponsored by outdoor brand Berghaus and supported by mountaineering legend Sir Chris Bonington, this year’s challenges will be held on Saturday June 17.
The 10in10 Challenge was founded in 2011 by Keswick’s Duncan and Yvonne Booth, after he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Since the first event, participants have raised more than £700,000 for the Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Booths have their sights set on reaching £1m.
Although Duncan is no longer able to take part in the challenges himself, he continues to raise money for the MS Society and works behind the scenes with Yvonne on the planning and promotion of the 10in10 and 5in5. Over the years, participants have travelled to Keswick from across the UK and from around the world to take part in the event, many of them persuaded by Sir Chris and Berghaus to make the trip.
The 2023 10in10 Challenge will take hikers on a 26km route that starts and finishes at the Swinside Inn in Newlands Valley. Participants will tick off Causey Pike, Sail, Crag Hill, Wandope, Whiteless Pike, High Snockrigg, Robinson, Dale Head, High Spy, and Maiden Moor.
The Family 5in5 Challenge is a shorter hike of 12.9km, suitable for walkers of all ages and ideal for a family group. With the same start and finish point, the route includes Causey Pike, Scar Crags, Outerside, Stile End and Barrow.
Adventure photographer, climate campaigner and mountaineer Adam Raja will take part in this year’s 10in10 Challenge. Adam has worked closely with Berghaus on projects and was the focus of the first documentary in the brand’s Ascension Series of films. He will be documenting his experience during the challenge through social media, helping to promote the event to his growing international audience.
Yvonne Booth said: “We are very excited about this year’s events and can’t wait to welcome new and old fell walkers to the 10in10 Challenge and Family 5in5.
“The event has gone from strength to strength and we are extremely grateful to Berghaus and Sir Chris Bonington for their incredible ongoing support. It will be great to welcome Adam Raja to join us on the challenge – we’re sure that he’s going to have a fantastic day on the fells.”
Entries for both events closes on Wednesday June 14 at 1.49pm. See www.10in10.org.uk for details.
