The Challenge of a Lifetime!!

Everyone on the five week expedition has just taken part in a five day Adventure Challenge at the Brandberg Massif, the tallest mountain in Namibia. The Alpha groups competed against each other for supremacy in a series of physical, mental and artistic challenges and Courtney summed up the spirit of the event when she said 'It's not a competition, we just have to beat them!'.

It was an action packed agenda which included climbing the Brandberg, doing an 8km stretcher carry and taking part in initiative tests and observation exercises. The groups also trekked to the White Lady rock paintings to try and create their own masterpiece, took part in an archery competition and pitted their wits against each other each night in the debating contest. It was a close run competition throughout, with each group shining in a different activity.

The points were calculated by Five Week Coordinator John and translated into minutes for the start of the Big Race on the final day, which comprised navigating and trekking 17km with the first group over the finish line the winners. Alpha 6 started in front, but Alpha 7 heroically took the lead and took the title of Adventure Challenge Champions 2007 in dramatic style.

They have all now returned to Fieldbase for a much needed shower, some sleep and the legendary Raleigh end of expedition party!

Photos of each group at the top of the Brandberg, taken by Trek Leader Tim.