Stage Five – BG Energy Challenge Grand Prix
Ardverikie Estate, home of BBC Scotland drama Monarch of the Glen, was a fitting backdrop for the final stage. Tension was high amongst all the teams and especially between those placed mid table. Seconds separated Team 3 BG Group HR Ladies and Team 35 Marsh - one wrong decision would see them slip down the standings.
The BG Energy Challenge Grand Prix was a simple fastest to finish stage involving running, cycling and puzzles. At each of the four Brain Cell’s™ (BC) located along the course, teams were faced with a brain teasing question which if answered incorrectly would result in them spending “dead time” in the cell whilst Teams who answered correctly would pass them by.
Out on the course team work and physical stamina proved to be some of the key components to staying out in front. The strategies of each team at the Brain Cell’s™ caused the biggest movements in the stage standings. Those who successfully answered the puzzles quickly moved on, whilst others opted to serve time in the cell.
Leading the stage Team 13 Amec were first to enter the final BC with a 10 minute penalty, closely followed by Team 33 Wood MacKenzie. The latter played their “get out of jail early” card earned by their substitute who had correctly answered a tough Soduku puzzle. Spending three minutes less in the BC allowed them to overtake Team 13 and they headed out for the final run for home. With Ardverikie Castle in the foreground, Team 33 crossed over the finish line arm in arm delighted with their stage victory and behind them the crowd of finishing teams quickly grew. Their sense of achievement was evident with smiles beaming across their faces. After receiving their medals, the celebrations began and the champagne corks popped.
Sir Geoff Hurst, event Ambassador and Charity Team Leader said: “It’s a great event that creates team spirit, camaraderie, and friendships. If we saw half as much camaraderie in the England Team as we have had this weekend then I think we would have performed a lot better in the World Cup! The £2.3 million raised to date is absolutely fantastic and as President of Sparks, it’s great to be here and see everyone having a great time.”
Buoyed by the anticipation of the festivities that would follow, everyone departed eager to discover who would be crowned BG Energy Challenge 2010 champions.