Moonraker
HUNDREDS of walkers are expected to take part in the annual overnight Moonraker Challenge on Exmoor later this month.
Organisers from Taunton Vale Rotary Club are hoping to beat last year’s entry total of more than 400 participants at the event on Saturday, October 24.
It is part of the 2009 Exmoor National ParkDark Skies initiative, which encourages people to visit the area after dark as it is one of the few places in Southern England that is relatively free of artificial light pollution.
Teams of four to eight participants will walk a 15 to 18-mile course, with shorter challenges of six and 12 miles, raising sponsorship for nominated charities.
The main beneficiary will be Taunton Opportunity Group, a pre-school for young children with special needs.
Moonraker is based at Wheddon Cross this year, with the first walkers setting out at 5pm and expected to finish by midnight, while later starters will carry on into the early hours of Sunday.
Walkers will be provided with hot refreshments at the halfway stage by Taunton Vale Inner Wheel Club, with support from the British Red Cross and Raynet radio communications team at each checkpoint.
Application and sponsorship forms can be downloaded by clicking on the Moonraker related link on this page.
Further information is available from Jas Shorney on 01823-451532, with entries being taken up until Friday, October 23.
