ATTRACTING over 500 participants and over 1,000 spectators each year, the annual WAAT4 Challenge has become a must do in the outdoor calendar.

With two routes to choose from this year – 40km and 20km (new for 2018) – it doesn’t matter whether you’ve never done a navigation event before or are an champion of the mountains – there’s something for all abilities and ambitions!

The WAAT4 Challenge takes place at the Rugby Fields, Parc de Pugh, Brecon. From here you will navigate through the iconic landmarks of the Brecon Beacons.

There are three competition categories available: Competitors Cup, Emergency Services Cup and a Forces Cup.

Teams to consist of a minimum of two or a maximum of six persons.

Over the last nine years WAAT4 have raised some £300,000 for various charities and good causes such as Brecon Mountain Rescue, Wales Air Ambulance, COPS, Teenage Cancer Trust, PC Rathbones Blue Light Fund, Help for Heroes, Ty Hafan, Stroke Association, Brecon Young Firefighters, Brecon Dementia Friendly Community, SAS Regimental Clock Tower Fund and many more.

In 2017, teams from all over the UK took part, including a large number of teams from the local community, showing their support. The event proved to be a huge success with some 100 teams taking part.

On Saturday, June 17 we started with the 40km teams arriving at the start point at 06.30am to check their maps and pick up their pack lunches.

The atmosphere was amazing with all the teams eyeing up the competition and the friendly banter was clear to see. At 7am the claxon sounded across the air with a loud cheer as the competitors began the arduous 40km route.

At 7.30am the less demanding 30km teams began to arrive for last minute checks. After a small spot check inspection of some of the team’s kit, the competitors began to mingle around the start point anticipating the claxon. Once again, on the sound of the horn and aloud cheer, the teams began the 30km route.

The weather was hot. Some say perfect walking weather, however throughout the day the event safety officers monitored the route and with an extra checkpoint added for safety and extra water on hand kept up the moral of the competitors, which was clear to see when the photographs came back towards the end of the day with many beaming smiles caught on camera.

Well done to everyone who took part in this great event and for helping us to raise money for charity and all the good causes out there.

All of the teams that took part were then able to relax, put their feet up and enjoy a presentation on the evening, whilst enjoying a Drink and Hog Roast (thank you to Brecon Rugby Club and Morgans Butchers)

The winners of the 40km route ‘IBS2’ finished in 4 hours 50 minutes, and ‘IBS1’ finishing the 30k route in 4 hours 19 minutes.

“The organisers would like to thank our sponsors for the event as without their assistance the event would not be as successful as it has been and we hope to continue to have their support for the coming years. These include Dyfed Powys Police, Landmarc Support Services, Brecon Carreg, Likes Landrover, RWS Consulting, Barclays, Police Crime Commissioner, Strongman Supplements, View Web Design, Wild Trail and the many local businesses who donated supplies and raffle prizes.

We would also like to say a big thank you to all the volunteers who manned the Checkpoints, Timekeepers, Observers, Brecon Mountain Rescue, Wales Air Ambulance and thanks to the WAAT4 Challenge Committee on the day. Well done all!

The total amount raised for 2017 was £22,850. Charities to receive monies were Brecon Mountain Rescue £15,000, Wales Air Ambulance £2,000, COPS £2,000, National Trust £1,000, Ty Hafan in memory of Little Freddie £1,600, Hiraeth Day Hospital £500, Change Step £250, Dial-a-Ride £250, and Powys People First £250.

“Organiser Alan Roberts said; Once again WAAT4 Challenge has been a great success and next year we hope to make the event bigger and better to help so many good causes out there.”

What next – 2018 see’s WAAT4 reach its 10th Year, so why not enter a team and help us to raise money for Brecon Mountain Rescue, Wales Air Ambulance, Dyfed Powys Police Charity 2018 and DofE Cymru. The date of this year’s WAAT4 Challenge is Saturday, June 16.

Enter online at www.waat4.co.uk.