News

Our Tremendous Ten Tors teams!

12 May 2017

Ten Penryn College students took on the Ten Tors challenge over the first weekend of May. The legendary event is organised by the Army and supported by organisations such as the Dartmoor Rescue Group. This year saw 404 teams leave the starting line, carrying with them everything they needed to be self-sufficient for two days on the moors.

The Penryn College Ten Tors Teams before setting off on Friday.

This year Penryn College had two teams, Finn Broadley, Daisy Chapman Gardner, Gabe Gentile, Alex Wilson, James Chance and Lauren Rowe took the 35 mile route, while Floyd Ratcliffe, Will Bettison, Jack Snowdon and Gary Underhill walked 45.

The 35 mile team

Last year our 35 mile team set a school record by finishing the challenge at 15:09. With this target in mine, this year’s 35 mile team set off at 7am. After a strong start they were well ahead of their route card time and kept their pace throughout the day. Their cut off time for that day was 17:40, when they would have to make it to Postbridge. However, after a burst of speed, they checked into Postbridge two minutes early and were allowed to carry on the Fernworthy Reservoir where they camped between their 7^th and 8^th Tor. After another early start on the Sunday, the team were full of spirit as they crossed the finish line at 11:10. A new record for Penryn College!

The 45 mile team

Veterans to the 35 mile challenge, our 45 mile team once again performed well above expectations. The team set out at a great pace and showed excellent teamwork. They stayed ahead of all other teams on their route and camped just before their 8^th Tor, which is the furthest they are allowed to walk on the first day. Unfortunately, they were dealt a big blow when Gary had to retire with a knee injury late on Saturday night. The students had been determined to complete the challenge together. But this didn’t stop them or slow them down. Motivated by a great first day pace, the team quickly completed the last two Tors and finished the challenge at 10:27, knocking 5 hours off last years’ time and walking 10 miles more.

“Both teams have shown real commitment to this year by completing over 80 hours of training and this showed in the times set on Sunday. It was really rewarding to see the teams cross the line with smiles on their faces and it’s been great to see how the students have developed throughout training and should be really proud of their achievements. I just wanted to say a massive thank you parents and my team of staff that gave up their time to help the team by giving the students the knowledge and confidence to complete the challenge”

Chris Reade – Outdoor Education Instructor