One of the Ten Tors teams on Dartmoor. Photo: Adrian Harlen/MoD/Crown Copyright
More than 2,000 teenagers are bedding down in temporary camps on Dartmoor at the end of the first day of one of England’s biggest outdoor challenges.
The Ten Tors Challenge on Dartmoor began at 7am today, with 2,400 competitors tackling routes of up to 89km (55 miles) across the moor during the two-day event.
Army spokesman Ronnie Jones said so far just 86 starters had dropped out due to minor sprains and strains.
The Ten Tors is organised by the Army and Brigadier Piers Hankinson, Commander of 43 (Wessex) Brigade and director of the event, said: “The mass start is really something special.
“It has an atmosphere about it which is difficult to describe and it is quite an extraordinary feeling to see 2,400 teenagers set off on this great expedition.
The mass start of the Ten Tors. Photo: Adrian Harlen/MoD/Crown Copyright
“It is tough for them; the routes are arduous, and they have to carry everything they need with them.
“But Ten Tors and the Jubilee Challenge are all about the kids. It’s all about youth development and about teamwork.
“They’re not allowed sat nav. They’ve got to navigate across this rough and difficult terrain and it’s great that the Army and the other elements of the armed forces under my command are able to put this on for the young people of the South-West and to repay some of the great support we have had from the community.”
Schools, sports clubs, Scouts, youth clubs and armed forces cadets are taking part in the challenge.
They have to find their own way as a team, navigating across moorland with no adult help, carrying all their essential kit, clothing, food and water.
Jubilee Challenge competitors are accompanied by cadets from Exeter University. Photo: Adrian Harlen/MoD/Crown Copyright
The Jubilee Challenge involves a shorter route of up to 24km (15 miles) for disabled youngsters and those with special educational needs. 236 participants started the event, which began 30 minutes after the Ten Tors mass start.
The Ten Tors and Jubilee Challenge are also used by the armed forces and other agencies as an emergency training exercise.
Brigadier Hankinson said: “Ten Tors gives me an opportunity to deploy with the whole of my brigade from logistics, through to communications to infantry to armoured corps.
“It’s really important that we practise this. One of my predecessors coordinated the Army response to the 2007 Gloucestershire floods ’
Exercise Wyvern Tor, as the Army dubs the exercise, also provides helicopter pilots from the Royal Navy and RAF who pilot Sea King and Lynx aircraft on duty over the weekend with crucial search and rescue and low level flying experience.
Ten Tors competitors have to be back at Okehampton Camp by 5pm tomorrow, Sunday.
