Alana Donkin, Rebecca McNaughton and Charlotte Becconsall-Ryan pull out all the stops for another challenging race in this years Women's Spring Challenge.  

2014 – they placed 3rd in the Junior division of the 3 hour adventure race

2015 – they placed 2nd in the Junior division of the 3 hour adventure race

This year they hoped to maintain or improve their place in the Junior Division, however 10 days before the race they were offered the opportunity to compete in the Junior division of the 6 hour challenge. They jumped at the opportunity. This proved to be not only double the time but also double the intensity and difficulty. This included a 1km run, 14km raft, 19km mountain bike and finally a 15kmhike/run with a quick canoe trip in the middle.  While racing they also completed an orienteering course along the way.

The rafting required them to join another team and complete a tough two hour course. They got in to a great rhythm and exited the water in 5th place which set them up well for the next stage. The mountain bike section proved to be the most challenging part of the race. It was a tough uphill climb and then the downhill components became a challenge to stay on your bike as the rain on the day meant that tracks became mud runs. Rebecca unfortunately came off, spraining her wrist and scraping arms and ankle - yet she smiled and soldiered on! The final stage was the walk / run. In this section the girls planned a shortcut which took them through dense gorse, shrubs and flax. They questioned whether they had made the right call and if they should turn back but hearing the sea, they persevered. This was a highlight when they made their way through, despite their legs being scratched all over by the gorse. By this stage the girls were exhausted but with another team looming close behind, they still found the reserves to run and keep ahead of their competition. Completely unaware as to how they were doing compared to the others competing in the Junior Division, it was an absolute surprise and thrill to cross the finish line with the announcement they had placed 3rd.

Having planned on only completing the 6 hour race rather than placing, to come in 3rd in their division demonstrated their real tenacity. What an incredible effort of working together as a team, supporting each other and persevering even when the course was tough or team members injured. The course took them 7 hours and 3 minutes to complete and despite being exhausted, wet, cold and hungry they were all still able to smile.

Well done girls – we are proud of you.