Two Sexey’s School teams successfully crossed the finish line at the Ten Tors challenge on Dartmoor.
The school entered two teams, one from Year 10 completing the 35-mile challenge, and one from Year 12 completing the 45-mile challenge.
Both teams started training back in November and walked 20 and 25km routes around the Bruton countryside as well as bracing the wind and snow at the Brecon Beacon at Tir-y-Cwm, on a weekend trip learning and revising navigation skills. The teams then moved down to Dartmoor, to complete their mandated days and nights on the moor to qualify for the event, with teams started to take shape.
This year’s grueling challenge fell on the weekend of Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 May, the hottest weekend of the year so far. The 35-mile team consisted of Tatenda, Toby, Amelia (C), Will, Florence and John and the 45-mile team consisted of Bella, Emma, Elliot, Tomas, Josh and Fletcher.
Both teams had a steady first day with the 35-mile team ending up camped at around 6pm. The 45-mile team, after losing one member early on for medical reasons, and an enforced stop of 30 minutes for a welfare check late in the day, walked on late into the night.
On day two, both teams were up extra early and on the move. Staff and parents waited patiently at the all-important finish to cheer on teams as they crossed the line. First back was the 45-mile team who were hot but in good spirits followed by the 35-mile team with all six members smiling and glad to be back in Okehampton.
Paul Sainsbury, Sexey’s Team Leader said “It was a sterling effort by both teams, showing great resilience and determination to get round their respective routes on the warmest two days of the year so far.”
“Well done to all of the students who considered the challenge back in September last year and massive congratulations to those who now have medals and memories which will last forever.”
Helen Cullen, Headteacher said “I am incredibly proud of all the students and the hard work they have shown through their training. The weekend was a celebration of their resilience and achievement, and they should be very proud of themselves.”
“Thanks goes out to the many people involved in supporting our 2024 Ten Tors participants, it really is a team effort each year.”