WildEndurance

Only 50 team places left in the event. Take the WildEndurance challenge and find out what it means for you!

The fourth annual WildEndurance event will be held over the weekend of April 30 - May 1st. The event is filling up fast, so register now to take the challenge and find out what it means for you. Competitors can log on and register at www.wildendurance.org.au.

Over 36 hours and 100km's teams of 4 or 6 people test their stamina and fitness in the stunning Blue Mountains World Heritage area. The event is The Wilderness Society's major fundraising event for the year. This year it aims to raise $500,000 to fund many important campaigns such as protecting our climate, water supplies and wonderful wild places.

Here is what WildEndurance means to some teams:

In 2009 Stephen Bock lived out his lifelong dream of climbing Mount Everest becoming only the 61st Australian to summit the mountain. He used the WildEndurance challenge event in 2009 as part of his training schedule and returns to the event this year to begin preparations for his next adventure, Antarctica and the South Pole. This time however, he is immersing his home-based support crew in the joys of adventure sporting to expose them to the experience of challenge and accomplishment....extreme style.

"The WildEndurance event is a tough challenge and the course itself is probably one of the most scenic, long distance events in the world. But it is also one of the most accessible," said Mr Bock. "Along with a fellow previous competitor, I am taking my girlfriend and my business partner as a way to share some preparations with them, but also as a way to expose them to team adventure sporting and how it creates self confidence and share with them the feeling of accomplishment," said Stephen.

For the current fundraising team leaders, for team ‘Flying Possums', a bunch of eco-dads, WildEndurance is about raising money for wildlife and bush protection. "We're a bunch of city working, suburban living dads who just love the bush and want to show our kids we can make a difference," said team captain, John White.

Team Purple Frogs on Safari, four funky young frogettes from the inner city, have approached the WildEndurance challenge with family, fun and friendship as their focus.

"We don't intend to be really hardcore about winning or times, but we are serious about having fun and making the biggest financial contribution we can. We have a Facebook page and intend to host some fundraising events for our friends and family such as barefoot bowls, as well as the good old BBQ and cake stall activities. We have loved the training; it is so great to be out in the bush and doing something so enjoyable and healthy," said team captain, Amy Hofman.

"WildEndurance 2011 has grown to become a destination event for adventure tourists, fitness and environment lovers, and even corporate, social and sporting groups looking for a new challenge and a fun group activity. The trek provides a challenging and exhilarating team experience in one of NSW's most spectacular wilderness areas,"said Event Co-ordinator Sarah Rimmer from The Wilderness Society.

"One of the appealing things about WildEndurance is the friendly, personalised experience and you are not crowded out on the course by thousands of other competitors. We limit the event to 150 teams and so due to its rising popularity, teams will have to be quick this year to register and ensure their place in the event," said Sarah.

"Teams will be supported by a new, interactive fundraising website and social media tools to communicate with their supporters and donors to raise those all-important funds".

The spectacular course offers iconic views of the Three Sisters, Mount Solitary and the Jamison Valley. Whether they are completing the whole 100km together or dividing into two relay groups each travelling 50km, teams will be treated to some of the best wilderness spots in the Blue Mountains. The event will have a strict 36 hour time limit, with regular checkpoints where teams can meet with their support crews for rest and refreshment.

"It's an event for everyone" said Sarah, "it's tough and you need to train, but with the right preparation, age and experience is no obstacle. It's wild, it's fun, and it's unforgettable".

What does WildEndurance mean for you? Take the challenge and find out.