A Hebridean Challenge for Brooke
Rob / 18.11.2003
The 2004 One.Tel Hebridean Challenge will take place a little later next year, between July 5-9th, and has a new Race Director who is a familiar face at the event, Jon Brooke.Sponsors One.Tel, are supporting the race for the third year in a row, and once again the race, which is a Community Trust, has strong local and regional support. Race Organiser Stephanie Sargent said; “One.Tel\'s support, both moral and financial, has been superb so we are very happy that they have agreed to back us again. We\'d also like to take this opportunity to thank our other major backers, Western Isles Enterprise and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, the Western Isles Council, for their long and faithful support of our event.â€
The race, which always runs the length of the Outer Hebridean island chain, will switch directions again for 2004, going from Barra in the South to Lewis in the North, and finishing in Stornoway. The good news for racers is that this direction is with the prevailing winds. It’s also hoped that the solo category, which was cancelled last year due to lack of entries, can be revived. So if you’ve ever thought about doing ‘The Heb’ solo, now is the year to make the commitment.
Jon Brooke has now taken over as Race Director, and he knows the race well. He’s taken part in every race to date (and been a regular runner-up!) Jon, who is the SleepMonsters.com Gear Editor, is already working hard on next year\'s route, and when we spoke to him he was poring over a mass of O.S. maps, beginning to piece together the race format. “The complexities of the islands, and the movements of people and support vehicles takes some getting to grips with,†he said, “but it’s immensely enjoyable.â€
One other new partner for the race this year will be ourselves. SleepMonsters.com will be taking on the operation of the race web site sometime soon.
If you’re keen entries are already open (use the 2003 entry form on the race web site. Anyone interested in the solo class should contact Stephanie Sargent as early as possible to express their interest. (Contact details are on the site.)
