Are you tough enough for Hell on the Harbour Side?

As many as 500 participants will take part in the Hell on the Harbour Side event in Whitehaven on Sunday May 19^th next year.

Featuring two tortuous routes of obstacles set in and around Whitehaven harbour, the event will raise money for GNAAS, which operates the Pride of Cumbria aircraft out of Langwathby, near Penrith.

The charity has backed the event, which is being organised by a small group of local volunteers. Dozens have already signed up.

Mandy Drake, deputy director at the charity, said: “This isn’t for everyone, but there are a growing number of hardy souls desperate to thrust themselves into these awkward and uncomfortable challenges. We will be there to cheer on participants on the day, and hopefully we will raise plenty of money to help support our Pride of Cumbria aircraft.”

The challenge has been designed to utilise some of the harbour’s natural obstacles, such as the Mount Pleasant steps. There are two routes, of four and six miles. Entrants choose which course on registration.

Mrs Drake added: “Participants will find themselves crawling about on the sand, under cargo nets and up the steps, getting very wet indeed. It’ll be energy sapping for sure, but those finishing the course will get a great sense of achievement.”

The organisers were keen to arrange an event to fill the void left by the West Cumbrian Run, which ran in 2010 but was cancelled the year after.

Entry is £26. Anyone interested in taking part should visit http://www.west-lakes-adventure.co.uk/ or email mrw194@googlemail.com. To arrange for sponsor forms, please call the GNAAS team on 01539-730999.