Last updated at 10:52, Friday, 03 April 2009

The Allendale Challenge, a 25 mile walk and, for the more energetic, run in through the fells of the North Pennines celebrates its 20th anniversary tomorrow.

The challenge is a fund-raising event organised by the North of Tyne Search and Rescue team.

Starting from Allendale the route goes across to Ninebanks then on to Hard Rigg, Black Hill, Killhope Law, Allenheads and then back to Allendale via Ladle Well.

An innovation this year is the introduction of trophies for the first male and female runner to complete the gruelling 25 mile course.

The awards, known as the Bev Farnie Trophies, have been provided by the Farnie family of Cramlington in memory of Bev, a great supporter of the challenge, who died of the rare disease pulmonary hypertension in 2007.

Husband John, one of the event organisers said: “Bev loved the Allendale Challenge.

“She was involved from day one, making tea at Carrshield and latterly taking charge of the difficult task of supervising the finish.

“She was always impressed at the resilience and energy shown by the runners, and my sons and I thought it was fitting that a trophy bearing her name should be awarded annually to the first and female runner’.

The 20th Allendale Challenge looks to be one of the most popular ever

It starts at Allendale Village square at 8am for the walkers and 10am for the runners.

First published at 09:49, Friday, 03 April 2009
Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk