This weekend the annual Oggie 8 comes to the Ogwen valley. Now in its seventh year, this mountain rescue fundraiser has gained a reputation as one of the more interesting events on the charity challenge calendar.
The challenge is to make a walking or running circuit of the eight 3000-foot peaks surrounding Snowdonia's Ogwen Valley - Yr Elen, Carnedd Llewelyn, Carnedd Dafydd, Pen yr Ole Wen, Y Garn, Glyder Fawr, Glyder Fach and Tryfan. The 16-odd-mile route takes in well over 2000m ascent, but involves no obligatory scrambling.
In 2013 the winning team completed the course in a respectable 7hrs 48minutes. But of course it's the taking part (and the sponsorship) that counts.
It's put on as a fundraiser for the Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation (OVMRO), one of the busiest mountain rescue teams in the country with over 100 callouts per year. As a charity OVMRO is funded entirely by donations, with annual operating costs of £60k.
Oggie 8 is the team's largest single source of money, and last year they made nearly £8500.
For 2014 the target is £5000. Around 70 participants have signed up so far, but organisers say there's space for more.
The event 'attracts teams from all across the country who wish to pit their strength, stamina and endurance against the Ogwen Valley 3000ft Peaks' says the Oggie 8 website. 'It's about like-minded people, having a great day of walking and to top it off there is the legendary after party with plenty of hearty food and drink!'
- The Oggie 8 challenge takes place Saturday 2 August.
- For more info see the event website here.
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