Startrekkers take up night-time challenge

THE TRANQUIL Exmoor village of Exford must have wondered what hit it at the weekend, when it became the floodlit epicentre of a military-precision operation.

In true Startrek tradition, Ilfracombe Rotary Club kept the location of the annual night-time challenge a closely guarded secret until the last moment for teams who came from across North Devon to take part.

More than 500 people descended on the little village for this year’s 16-mile orienteering challenge in pitch darkness across Exmoor’s wildest terrain.

A total of 74 teams walked Startrek on Saturday night.

Ilfracombe Rotary president Ian Stuart explained the challenge, which is now approaching its 20th anniversary year: “The course is in the form of a figure of eight with the base in the middle. Teams set off at seven minute intervals with half going one way round and the other half going the other way.

“They return to base half way round where they can enjoy refreshments before setting off again.

“They try to answer the various clues on each section, and their progress is monitored through a series of checkpoints which are in constant radio communication with the main control point at base, this year in Exford village hall.”

This year’s teams chomped their way through 600 pasties, 200 eggs, 50 kilos of bacon, 6 kilos of cheese, 6 kilos of cooked ham, 35 litres of soup, 1,000 baps and rolls, 2 cases of bananas, 100 litres of milk, and a vast amount of tea, coffee, hot chocolate and orange juice.

While the 400 walkers wound their way around the course, an army of helpers and volunteers made sure everything went according to plan.

“As well as Rotarians, their partners and friends, the support of others is vital. As always, Raynet provided the essential communications network and St John Ambulance were there for their vital services.

“Another key group of helpers were the Air Cadets. They helped with car parking, acted as runners and helped with the clearing up, despite having been up all night.”

Ian was on hand with all the essential facts and figures: “Although it is not a race – answering the clues is more important – the fastest team completed the course in 6hrs 25mins; the team taking the longest time completed in 10hrs 30mins and the average time taken was between 7.5 and 8hrs.

“The amount of sponsorship pledged to the 400 walkers is more than £28,000. Many walkers end up by collecting more money. So the pledged money, with the anticipated extra and Gift Aid, should mean that well over £35,000 will be available for distribution. As always, the main beneficiaries will be North Devon Hospice and Children’s Hospice South West, but several other local charities will also benefit.”

A special presentation event on July 10 will reveal all the final figures raised.

For more Startrek pictures see next week’s Your Pics.