Gryphon students complete epic Ten Tors Challenge
Students from The Gryphon School have once again completed the epic Ten Tors Challenge run by the Army on Dartmoor this weekend. The school entered a record 5 teams into the challenge, which sees teams of students hike a 35, 45 or 55 mile distance over two days.
Two teams from Year 10 competed in the 35 mile distance, the Year 11 team competed in the 45 mile distance, and two teams from Year 12 took part – one over 45 miles and one in the epic 55 mile distance – which is the same as walking from Sherborne to Torquay!
The challenge is organised by the Army and sees thousands of young people take part each year, in what the Army calls ‘the largest and most challenging event held nationally’. Students must navigate over the rough terrain of Dartmoor, visiting ten nominated Tors / check points in under two days. The teams must be self-sufficient, carrying all that they need to complete their route and stay out overnight safely. The weather can be very changeable and at times quite extreme, and success or failure can depend very much on the extent to which a team has been trained for all eventualities.
This year saw a number of firsts for the Gryphon teams. They entered the most teams for any state school into the challenge, with 5 in total. It also saw the first all-female team for the school enter and complete the challenge. The 55-mile team included four students who have now completed all three Ten Tors distances – another first for the Gryphon School.
Four of the five Gryphon teams finished the challenge – unfortunately one team had to withdraw for medical reasons after the sixth Tor. Gryphon students also took part in other teams, with 5 participating with the Air Cadets, and another student taking part on loan to South Molton College. In total 36 students took part, as well as students who trained as reserves for the teams – they have trained for the past year for this weekend, training before and after school as well as at weekends.
Geoff Cooke, Ten Tors Challenge Manager at The Gryphon said “This is an absolutely fantastic achievement by the students, this challenge is gruelling and a real test of their training, dedication and determination. In this digital age it is refreshing that young people want to get out there, disconnect from technology and enjoy a physical challenge! We look forward to more students taking part next year”.
