The Mendip Challenge is an annual event organised by the local Charity Weston Hospicecare. The Challenge involves a 30 mile run/trek/walk across the Somerset Mendips. Fortunately for me this Challenge coincides with my training for my annual events and challenges.

The Mendip Challenge is on a par with any world marathon due to the terrain with ascending and descending. The views are also spectacular once up on to the trig point of Somerset. Cheddar reservoir, views of the South West M5 motorway snaking its path between the fields stretching out to the coastline of Burnham and wrapping round towards Hinkley and beyond.

Wearing the correct footwear is key to an enjoyable run or walk. I tend to wear walking boots with dual layered socks and have previously been punished for wearing boots being broken in for a summit attempt of Mont Blanc.

The atmosphere among the walkers is amazing as many dress in fancy dress and usually groups of family members walking in memory of loved ones. There’s also an option to go the Extra Mile! Reaching Crook Peak you have an opportunity to walk half a mile to the summit. Once again it is well worth the extra pain as the view over the Bleadon hills out to Weston bay and views of the Weston Pier in the far distance is stunning on a clear day.

I’ve walked in both sunshine and torrential rain during this Challenge, both have pros and cons. The marshalling and support during this challenge is excellent with plenty of water stops, marshals and communication with that well earned medal at the end of those tough 30 in Uphill. I’ve seen people cry with emotion reaching summits, crossing marathon finish lines and even more so completing the Mendip Challenge. If there is one Challenge you want this year then give The Mendip Challenge a bash, train hard and book a day off for the Monday.