Calder Valley Fell Runners’ Phil Scarf and Alistair Morris took part in ‘Expedition Africa’ in Swaziland last week.
These two renowned map gurus were part of a team of four, ‘Endurance Life’, that came seventh, after 90 hours of non-stop trekking, kayaking, white-water rafting, mountain biking and caving.
Navigating through dense bush, often at night with basic maps, proved challenging. However, the team were pleased with their result among world class opposition.
The kayak section had to be shortened at the last minute because of the dangers of hippos and crocodiles, something their pre-race training on the Rochdale Canal would have prepared them well for!
Calder’s star distance duo Jackie Scarf and Barbara Lonsdale competed in the 54k Scenic Trail race close to Lugano on the Swiss/Italian border at the weekend.
A demanding race, with dramatic scenery, high alpine pastures and refreshment stops at mountain refuges, stretched the 350 entrants.
Both finished well up the field, with Barbara and Jackie 16th and 18th lady respectively, in 9.14 and 9.38 hours.