The Jubilee Challenge

What is the Jubilee Challenge?

The Jubilee Challenge is a trekking expedition on northern Dartmoor designed specifically for young people with special needs, both physical and educational. Incorporated within Ten Tors in 1977 as the Special Event, it was renamed the Jubilee Challenge in 1996. Both the Ten Tors Main Event and the Jubilee Challenge have developed into popular events, with teams from learning disability organisations based in the seven Counties of the West Country participating in the Jubilee Challenge. It is organised and run by the members of Exeter University Officer Training Corps (volunteer undergraduate officer cadets who are members of either Exeter or Plymouth Universities) on behalf of 43(Wessex) Brigade, the sponsors of the Ten Tors Event. Together with Ten Tors, it attracts considerable media and public attention. Numerous VIPs also attend and are willing volunteers to hand out medals at two moving prize giving ceremonies held after the Event is completed.

What does the Event Involve?

There are usually between 250 and 300 participants involved in the Jubilee Challenge each year. Participants enter the event as a member of a team or as an individual. Just like the Main Eventers, they are required to trek and navigate across northern Dartmoor along a pre-determined route. The event runs over the first day of the Ten Tors Main Event. It begins on the Saturday at 7:30 am at a start point near to the Ten Tors Main Event massed start and the course closes at 18:00. There are 4 different routes to choose from. Team Managers are required to discuss with the individual participants which route best matches their specific capabilities, age and experience. Again, following the rules of the Main Event, the precise details about the Jubilee Challenge routes are not provided in advance of the weekend. The following general information should help individual participants select the route which best matches their capabilities:

Route 1 - 7 ½ miles / 12.1 km	Rough going metalled road suitable for robust wheelchairs
Route 2 - 8 ½ miles / 13.7 km Route 3 - 11 miles / 18.9 km Route 4 - 15 miles / 24.1 km	\| \| Cross country routes \|

Are there Prizes?

Individually named certificates are awarded to all participants, whether or not they complete the course successfully. Especially commissioned Ten Tors Medals are also awarded to all participants who complete the course: bronze for first timers, silver for second timers, and gold for those completing one of the Jubilee Challenge routes for at least a third time. Selected VIPs will present these medals at one of two special prize-giving ceremonies held in Okehampton Camp at 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm on the day of the event.

Do I Need Any Special Training?

All participants must be properly trained and equipped in order to complete the event. It is essential that each team/individual appoints a Team Manager. Team Managers must attend a Managers Briefing Weekend, which is held in Okehampton Camp at the end of the January preceding the event itself. Team Managers should then ensure that those for whom they are responsible conduct sufficient training prior to taking part in the Jubilee Challenge. The Ten Tors Secretary should be contacted for further information regarding the Briefing Weekend and the mandatory training requirements for the event.

How do I Apply?

Anyone wishing to apply should contact the Ten Tors Secretary for an application form. These are to be returned by 17 November of the year preceding the event. Application forms and further information about any aspect of either Jubilee Challenge or the Ten Tors Event can be obtained from the Ten Tors Secretary at the following address:

The Ten Tors Secretary Headquarters 43 (Wessex) Brigade Picton Barracks BULFORD Salisbury Wiltshire SP4 9NY Telephone: 01980 673083