The Exeter College team successfully completed the Ten Tors Challenge this weekend, walking an amazing 55 miles.

The event, organised by the Army and assisted by the Royal Navy, the Royal Air Force and the Dartmoor Search and Rescue Teams, is a challenge of team work, endurance, navigation and camp craft and sees teenagers survive for two days completely unaided. Schools from all over the south west and beyond train hard for months before the final event in May.

Ten Tors Manager, Tom Howe, praised the teams hard work and said:

Ten Tors never ceases to amaze and inspire me. Over the past 9 months the students have been on an incredible journey, undertaking their training in some rather challenging conditions, mostly rain, wind and even snow. Never the less, despite the high temperatures and blistering sun over the Moor this weekend (bringing their own challenges) the training team had the utmost confidence in the groups ability.

Having donned their pink tutus and head bands, the team were immediately identifiable as they summited the track at West Mill Tor on Sunday afternoon. Surrounded by friends and family and led by Captain Jack, the team carried the college standard across the line to complete their 55 mile challenge in a very respectable time.”

The team were honoured to be presented their medals by Captain Lou Rudd – the first Briton in history to trek 921 miles unaided across Antartica. Read more about him here.

55 team leader, Jack Smith, who has also completed the 45 mile challenge during his time at college said:

Ten Tors has been one of the toughest yet most enjoyable challenges I have ever done. I loved Ten Tors especially when I crossed the finish line, feeling not only a huge sense of relief, but also an overpowering sense of achievement in completing the challenge. Additionally, I enjoyed the companionship as well as friendship of my teammates.

From Ten Tors I have learnt a great deal such as no matter how hard a task is, keep going and push that little bit more, you will surprise yourself with how far you can go. I would recommend Ten Tors to others not only for the great sense of accomplishment but also in improving skills in teamwork, self-sufficiency and resilience, however most importantly to have the experience of a lifetime.”

Vice Principal, Rob Bosworth said:

We are incredibly proud to have a team take part in this momentous challenge. We pride ourselves on offering our students holistic character building experiences like this and believe it makes a real impact in preparing them for their futures. The students have trained in incredibly difficult conditions but have come through the other side and absolutely excelled in working as a team and getting each other across the finish line.”

Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre also had teams cross the line this weekend as they supported the training of the 35 mile teams from St Luke’s and St James School.

Read more about the enrichment opportunities available at college here.