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Marathon Challenge

Marathon Challenge 2011 happened on Saturday 19th November 2011, with HQ in Westley Waterless, near the Suffolk/Cambridgeshire border. SCORES AND REPORT ARE NOW AVAILABLE BELOW

What is it?

Marathon is CUSAGC's annual incident hike for members of the Scout Association, Girlguiding UK and SSAGO aged 14 and over (that includes leaders!). The challenge is for teams of 4-5 to gain points by visiting as many as possible of 26 checkpoints in 9 hours, over about a 70 sq. km area. Teams are given grid references for the checkpoints and must choose their own route. The majority of checkpoints are unmanned, but teams can gain more point at manned checkpoints where there are further challenges to complete. Three trophies are available to be won: one for under-18 Scout Association teams, one for under-18 Girlguiding UK or all-female teams and one for teams with members over 18 years of age. However, the number of checkpoints you visit is up to you, so it can just be a stroll in the countryside and opportunity for a pub lunch! This makes Marathon Challenge suitable for all levels of ability. Due to the distance covered, time needed to complete challenges at manned checkpoints, and the fact that some navigation may be in the dark, only the very best teams will manage to visit all 26 checkpoints.

Where is it?

It's normally somewhere west or south of Cambridge, as we aim for somewhere a bit less flat than the fens - but always within comfortable distance of City. The 2011 event was based at Westley Waterless (Cambridgeshire) while in 2010 HQ was in Thaxted (Essex), in 2009 it was in Bourn (Cambridgeshire)and in 2008 Steeple Morden (Cambridgeshire).

When is it?

Marathon Challenge is always a Saturday in November - in 2011 it was be on Saturday 19th November. The 2010 event was on Saturday 6^th November.

Who is eligible?

Any member of Guiding or Scouting aged from 14 upwards is eligible to enter, as are SSAGO members. This includes older Scouts and Guides, Senior Section, Explorer Scouts, Scout Network, and Leaders/Occasional Helpers of any section. Teams should be of 4 - 5 (over 18's may enter as a 3 if they are happy to do so), but if you can't find other people to enter with, we may be able to place you with a team - contact us if this is the case.

How do I find out more and enter?

For the time being, no more information is available for next year's event. Please check back in September 2012 or email the SAGLO(saglo [at] cusagc.org.uk).

Marathon Challenge 2011

Results

Marathon 2011 Scores.

Photos

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Report

The 2011 CUSAGC Marathon Challenge was held on Saturday 19 November around Westley Waterless, Newmarket. Fifteen teams took part.

Marathon Challenge is an annual incident hike for all Scouts and Guides aged over fourteen (including leaders). Teams were given a list of 26 grid references (hence Marathon) in the area within 4 kilometres of Westley Waterless Village Hall (event HQ), and told to make their way to as many as possible in the nine hours available. At four of the checkpoints were activities of which completion earned additional points - first aid and rescue, phonebook stacking, remote fire lighting, and blindfolded geometry.

The shortest known route between all 26 checkpoints was about 28 miles long, and the total score available was 2140 points. This proved to be quite a challenge with only three teams bagging more than 20 checkpoints. One of these teams failed to watch their time and was subsequently disqualified for returning 45 minutes late.

In the end it was the Undertakers Too which took out top honours with 25 checkpoints, 1986 points and the Over 18 Trophy. The Explorer Trophy was more hotly contested with three teams all within reach of the top spot. The 28th Cambridge C team took the trophy with their 21 checkpoints and 1540 points. The Majendie Steeple Boys and Girls Explorer teams both ended on a close 1540 points putting them 2nd equal. The girls team didn�t go home empty handed however. Their score was easily enough to take home the All-Female Team Trophy. I hope we can find them some worthy competition for the next Marathon Challenge!

On their return, teams were given a hot meal and a chance to discuss the day's events, before the trophies were awarded. CUSAGC is grateful to the local landowners and residents who tolerated the large numbers of people crossing their land, to the Westley Waterless Village Hall for the use of the hall, and to all the participants for their good humour.

CUSAGC