The team from Sexey’s School, Bruton, crossed the finish line of the Ten Tors challenge with more than an hour left on the clock.
The six Year 10 students were among about 2,500 young people who took part in the 35-mile hike on Dartmoor. The event required students to be completely self-sufficient and leave Okehampton Army camp at 7am on Saturday morning. To complete the challenge they were required to finish at the camp by 5pm on the Sunday.
The team, consisting of Bella, Matilda, Thor, Tom, Josh and Fletcher, were all smiles as they crossed the line at 2.40pm. The event was the first Ten Tors since 2019, and the 60th time the event, organised by the Army, had taken place.
Sexey’s team leader Paul Sainsbury said: “Firstly, please let me congratulate the team on their successful completion of the 2022 Ten Tors 35-Mile Challenge, an excellent effort all round.
The recorded return time of 2.40pm on Sunday is testament not only to their ability to navigate and work as a team but also their stamina and strength, mental and physical.
“It has been a pleasure to train the team and they have all worked hard and listened throughout – there was a lot to learn and take on board, but I think as we progressed, they fine-tuned their skills, which has enabled their success. I know the team and those who trained but did not take part, have made the whole school community very proud.”
Headteacher Helen Cullen said: “I was there to see the Ten Tors Team cross the finish line and am incredibly proud of the students and the hard work they have shown through their training and over the weekend.”