 After five gruelling stages and with the finish line now in sight, the 32 teams geared up for the final challenge. The tension was palpable as all the teams were eager to maximise the last opportunity to improve on their scores. Having dropped off their team members at the start line of this fastest to finish bike and run stage, the Leaders were left in the middle of the Devilla Forest to await their teams whilst the substitutes awaited their return under the backdrop of the stunning Tullialan Castle.
For the final time the starting gun was fired and the Team Captains, aware this was the last opportunity to move their team up the leaderboard, eagerly raced off across the field to collect the envelope containing the start puzzle. Once solved, they led their teams around the loch and across the Gartmorn Dam to collect their mountain bikes.
Leaping onto their bikes after the 800 metre run, the teams headed out into the countryside and cycled along a disused rail track to the first checkpoint, collecting up to three bonus points on the way. They then headed deep into the Devilla Forest, where further invaluable bonus points would be on offer, and reached a disused cottage signalling the end of the bike stage. There teams were joined by their Leader who held the map to the last gruelling phase of the challenge. Most teams took their time to strategically devise their route around the final check points and bonus points to ensure they achieved a high score. Teams were obligated to visit all six check points as complete teams but had the option to split into pairs to maximise their visits to as many of the seven bonus points as time or their strategy would allow.
The toll of the physically and mentally draining challenges completed so far was evident, with many participants struggling over the course. Team work was now a key factor as teams charged up the final straight, many arm in arm shouting words of motivation to their weary team mates. As they crossed the finish line, cries of relief and jubilation echoed around the castle grounds, their challenge finally over.
Yet another strategically brilliant stage was the crowning glory for overall champions Western Geco. Leader Jim Sledzik said: “The team has just been unbelievable; I’m so proud and can’t wait to get back to the office to tell everybody. They’re all incredibly fit, the female influence added so much to the team dynamic and all in all it was an amazing team effort. The event was such good fun and we’ll definitely be back next year, hopefully with other teams from the office for us to beat!”
Whether celebrating success, teamwork or just having completed all six challenges, all the teams headed back to the University to pop the champagne corks. Whilst another BG Energy Challenge – UK had come to an end, teams left in the knowledge they had given 100% and most importantly raised vital funds for richly deserving causes.
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