Fan Dance: The Toughest Test of All

News Release / 19.04.2013

Running for the fourth and final time on 18 May 2013, the Extreme Energy Fan Dance is a true test of mental and physical endurance.

In the words of one 2011 Fan Dance Challenger, "I have done the Commando 30 mile challenge carrying 45lb, but the Fan Dance is much much harder than that."

At 2,907 ft, Pen y Fan is the highest peak of Brecon Beacons, and provides the setting for this ultimate challenge. Fan Dance contenders will summit no less than three times throughout the day, starting at the foot of the mountain and running to the top, before heading back down to checkpoints on each face of Pen y Fan. Competitors must regain the summit after each checkpoint, before their final descent back to the start point.

The Fan Dance route is inspired by the British Special Forces’ Pen y Fan Fitness and Navigation challenge, designed to push Special Forces candidates to the limits of their endurance. In the course of the three ascents, contenders will cover around 15 miles and 4,500 ft vertical ascent - or further, depending on their navigation skills …

Special Forces candidates are given 4 hrs 15 minutes to complete the challenge. In 2011, 18 Extreme Energy contenders made it within that time, with Jonathan Byrne leading the way to finish in an astonishing 3:21:29. Last year, just one runner, winner Ben Smith, completed the course in under 4 ¼ hours. The 2013 Fan Dance is the final edition of this event: your last chance to make the grade!

Three race categories are designed to test every competitor to the very limit of their mental and physical capacity:

·        The Fan Dance: competitors must complete the course, carrying their usual running kit;

·        The Fan Warrior: competitors must complete the same course, carrying a rucksack with minimum 30lb weight;

·        The Fan Elite Warrior: competitors complete the course carrying a rucksack with minimum 30lb weight and an army-issue training rifle that must not leave their side. This is an elite class, and entry strictly limited.

109 entrants have so far enlisted, including 60 for the Fan Dance, 21 Fan Warriors and 30 Fan Elite Warriors (now full, with five on the wait list!) One in five contenders are women, and all ages are represented, with runners aged from 23 to 61 signed up for the test.

For those who want to make a weekend of it, overnight camping by the start/finish point is available at just £5/head, and the field kitchen and pay bar promise a great atmosphere for sharing pre-race nerves and post-race tales! 

The Fan Dance takes place for the last time on 18 May 2013, and registrations are still open.

Further information:

Extreme Energy http://www.xnrg.co.uk/fandance2013.htm

With thanks to our sponsors:

Hi Tec http://www.hi-tec.com/uk/

9bar http://www.9bar.com/

The Ultramarathon Running Store http://www.ultramarathonrunningstore.com/