MORE than 900 walkers and runners took to the Black Mountains last Saturday to raise thousands of pounds for local mountain rescuers.
The annual Big Black Mountains Challenge celebrated its 30th year of raising funds for Longtown Mountain Rescue Team (MRT).
People travelled to Llanthony Abbey – between Abergavenny and Hay on Wye – to test themselves on one of three routes of either 16km, 29km or 50km.
They set off from 7am and the last weary participants crossed the finish line at 9pm.
The paths follow part of Offa’s Dyke up to Hay Bluff, across to Twmpa, and the longer route taking in the famous `beer track’.
The event took place on May 16 and organisers hailed it a 'huge success'.
Luke Lewis, team leader with Longtown MRT, thanked everyone who took up the challenge and showed 'great determination' in completing the three routes.
Organised by Longtown MRT, all checkpoints were staffed by team members to make sure participants made it safely round.
Longtown Mountain Rescue Team is made up of highly trained volunteers from all walks of life, including doctors, vets, ex-service personnel and local business owners.
The team answers calls to help missing or injured people in rural and remote areas across South Wales, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire. The team is a registered charity and dependent almost entirely on donations.
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