Competitors in the Oggie 8 challenge

A mountain rescue team is on the lookout for hillwalkers and runners to help it celebrate its 50th anniversary.

This year’s Oggie 8 challenge is the eighth year of running and is happening on the eighth of the eighth.

Members of the Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation hope the auspicious timing will attract plenty of hillgoers willing to tackle the 26km (16-mile) course and help the team raise much needed cash.

This year’s Oggie 8, which runs over eight of Snowdonia’s peaks, forms part of the team’s 50th anniversary celebrations which have already seen its volunteer members take part in an extreme dine on top of Tryfan and light up the mountain with its Tryfan Skylight event.

Organiser Dave Worrall said: “Tackling eight of Snowdonia’s finest peaks in one day is a real challenge.

“The route starts at Oggie Base and heads up on to the Carneddau to Carnedd Llewelyn, Carnedd Dafydd, Yr Elen and Pen yr Ole Wen. It then drops down to the Ogwen Valley before taking in Y Garn, Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach – the one with the cantilever – before the final push to Tryfan.

“Then it’s back to Oggie Base for well deserved beer and food. We try to make sure we look after all the competitors with a meal at the end, one or two beers and a goody bag. In return we are looking for you to raise sponsorship money to support the team.

“It’s over 16 miles and 5,000ft of ascent and if you ask anyone who has taken part before it’s not called a challenge for nothing. Last year the event was won by a team from our favourite cafe, Cafe Siabod with the team Siabod Shifters in a time of 7hrs 55mins.

“This is the team’s main fundraiser for our year and of course being the 50th it’s a very important event to us. So you can help us raise funds for the team and take part in one of Snowdonia’s most challenging days out.”

More details, including how to enter, are on the Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation website.