2021 SP24 Anytime Challenge - Results and Report
2021 SP24 Anytime Challenge from 17 April until 14 August
Oldham Mountain Rescue Team meet South Pennine group in a thank you for the money raise by the SP24 Anytime Challenge.
Results - 2021_SP24_Anytime_Results.pdf
Covid restrictions meant it was impossible to stage the usual supported SP24 during February 2021 . I devised the SP24 Anytime Challenge to keep the event going in consecutive years & give event regulars an opportunity to get their fix at a time when most other LDWA activities were suspended . Entrants could take part at a time of their choosing between April & August as Covid restrictions were finally eased . A clock was placed in the noticeboard at the event’s HQ , Dovestone Sailing Club , which participants would photo at the start & finish to record their time . Along the route entrant’s answered questions such as recording lamppost numbers or phone numbers on signs . They would email this to the organiser for a place on the results hall of fame & receive an e certificate to record their achievement . A shop just over half way in Hollingworth meant entrants could replenish supplies.
As the Anytime aspect was totally unsupported a nominal entry fee was charged , with the entire net proceeds being donated to Oldham Mountain Rescue , who are headquartered close to event HQ . In total an impressive 118 entered from across the LDWA family ; a similar number to those taking part on the usual SP24 . And not just locals but completions from much further afield : from residents of Kent , Norfolk , Warwickshire & County Durham . About half recorded their completion , others I know started elsewhere along the route , perhaps to avoid the parking charge at Dovestone , and so didn’t submit a completion claim .
There were many positive comments from entrants , some of whom visited the South Pennines for the first time & were impressed with the highly scenic countryside . The event kept the South Pennine group (and entrants !) ticking over during the ebb & flow of changing Covid guidance and most importantly raised a significant amount of money for the local Mountain Rescue Team during a time when most of their fund raising opportunities will have been curtailed .
SP24 Anytime Challenge feedback from entrants :
“Thank you so much for organising this. I managed to convince a couple of non-members to do the route with me and we all thoroughly enjoyed it! The route description was really easy to follow and we only needed to refer to the backup map once! Having to find the answers to the questions also added another dimension to the walk and made it a bit of a treasure hunt. A wonderful route enjoyed by all and I think the lovely weather yesterday definitely helped!”
“Thank you for putting together such an excellent set of instructions. It was a beautiful walk.”
“Loved doing the SP24 challenge today. First time I've walked in the Peak District and it is spectacular.Thanks for a great day. I'm sure to be back. “
“Really love that route and the clues etc were brilliantly set up”
“Many thanks for putting this challenge on for us this year. It helps greatly with mental and physical fitness. I think I've kept the record going of completing all SP24s since its inception.”
“It was certainly a splendid route, and one which I shall re-visit myself. I hope to do the event ‘in person’ next year.”
Thanks to all who entered & South Pennine LDWA look forward to seeing you on the supported SP24 in February 2022 .
Ian Hull . SP24 Anytime Challenge Event Organiser .
