Chilterns 3 Peaks Challenge - our biggest ever event as 1000+ "Walk the Chalk"

The 2010 Chilterns 3 Peaks Challenge takes place on Sunday 19th September. In addition to the 5 and 9 mile routes available in 2009, we are also offering challengers the full 18 mile route along the Ridgeway Path from Princes Risborough to Ivinghoe Beacon, without the bus transfer from Wendover to Tring. Click here to register now for the 2010 Chilterns 3 Peaks Challenge

We are delighted to report that our first ever Chilterns 3 Peaks Challenge went with a bang on Sunday 20th September, with over 1000 people taking part, and over £60,000 being pledged in sponsorship.

There was a tremendous atmosphere as the day started with entrants catching the Arriva buses from the Ercol car park up to Princes Risborough School. To add to the fun, walkers were sent on their way by none other than BBC Breakfast presenter and Strictly Come Dancing Star, Bill Turnbull who, along with Moira Rennie , did an amazing job getting everyone geed up and in the mood for the challenge ahead!

Walkers arrive at the start

Bill Turnbull and Moira Rennie welcome the crowds

Having conquered the first peak, Whiteleaf Cross, walkers descended to the water stop at The Plough pub, Cadsden, before stepping out along the Ridgeway Path towards Chequers and peak number two, Coombe Hill.

The 1st climb to Whiteleaf

The Plough, Cadsden

Having admired the views from the monument there was time for walkers to stop in Wendover and have a well deserved break, as well as being served a burger by former BBC Weather man Bill Giles . Some walkers then caught buses back to their cars at Risborough, while others caught buses to Tring where they started the walk to the third peak of the challenge, Ivinghoe Beacon.

Coombe Hill conquered!

Linda, Bill and Angie serve up a treat for the walkers

Ruth Barber, Senior Community Fundraiser for IRHH said: "The 1st ever Chilterns 3 Peaks Challenge is the biggest event we have done to date and we're truly amazed and very proud at the amount of walkers that signed up to take part and support IRHH. It was an incredible sight to see all 1,000 walkers lined up at the start, plus all those who kindly turned up to offer their support as marshals, volunteers and to IRHH staff who all gave up their Sunday to make the event run smoothly. We are thrilled at the monies pledged by everyone and hope they will continue with their support so that we can hit this year's target of £60k".

Moira heads for Ivinghoe

The end is in sight!

Special thanks need to go to Arriva Buses who kindly donated four double-deckers and drivers for the whole day to shuttle walkers between points. Community Fundraiser Kerri Coote, who spent her day working with the bus drivers said, "The Chilterns 3 Peaks Challenge would not have been possible without the support of the Arriva bus drivers who gave up their whole Sunday to volunteer for IRHH free of charge. Their fun and charisma really added to the event's atmosphere and we couldn't have asked for a better team".

If you would like to view photos from the day please visit www.c3peaks.com or www.skmphotostudio.co.uk

Click here to view a fantastic video of the event.

Date for your diary: next year's Chilterns 3 Peaks Challenge will take place on Sunday 19th September 2010

The Challenge is over for this group

Best paw forward!