Countdown to 100K Pikeman Challenge
Wednesday May 07 2008
You've heard of charity treks in China and Peru. Now, the Faythe Harriers Hurling and Camogie Club has come up with the Pikeman Challenge, a 100 km walk in Wexford.
The four-day event scheduled for August 21 to 24 will be launched in the Talbot Hotel this Thursday night at 8.30 p.m.
It has already attracted celebrity endorsement from X-Factor and Big Brother television presenter, Dermot O'Leary whose father Sean played with the club.
The challenge is being pitched at people around Ireland and abroad, including Wexford people interested in re-discovering the county.
The trek will follow the footsteps of Wexford's 1798 rebel Pikemen. During the weekend, guest speakers and guides will outline the historical features of the route and participants will get to meet celebrity walk leaders, famous faces and sporting legends.
The trekkers will walk from Cahore Point to the Raven Point on the first day followed by Hook Head to Ballyhack, Mount Leinster and the Blackstairs, finishing on day four with the Three Rocks Trail, Ferrycarrig and Wexford town. It's a fundraising initiative to help the Faythe Harriers build all-weather pitches and hurling walls for young players.
But a unique element is that once participants have paid a registration fee of ?1,750 to the club, they are free to raise whatever additional sponsorship money they wish for another organisation.
The trek fee includes 4 star hotel accommodation from Thursday to Sunday, meals and snacks, insurance, transport, a celebratory dinner, medical back-up and services.
It's not just aimed at GAA people. We would like to see a good mix of people taking part,' said Richard Hore of the Faythe Harriers.
Visit www.pikemanchallenge.com for registration details.
Maria Pepper.
