On Sunday 16 September, the south west's best climbers descended on Cheddar Gorge for the Cheddar Man Marathon in aid of Children's Hospice South West.

The race to find Cheddar Man 2007 was part of the Crag Attak event, organised by Martin Crocker and members of Cheddar Caves & Gorge team.  The event had previously been postponed due to July's wet weather. 

The gruelling Cheddar Man Marathon involved a High Rock onsight climb (F7a+), Jacob's Ladder speed ascent (274 steps in a winning time of 56 seconds), Heavens 900 Run (900m run up a steep hillside), Traverse of the Gladiators (60m tyrolean rope traverse across the gorge), High Rock rap (120m abseil down High Rock, with teams of two tied together with balloons), and finally the Last Gasp speed climb (F6b+).

Twelve teams of two competed, including teams from the area's climbing walls, climbing shops and a team from the BMC - Rob Adie (Climbing Walls) & Rich Simpson (climber extraordinaire!).  All teams were raising money for Children's Hospice South West.  The winning team was called the Cream of Bristol - Adam Mullholland and Matt Rowlinson. Team BMC came joint 3rd, tied with ITV West.  Unfortunately the second Undercover Rock team - the only all girl team of the event had to pull out at the last minute, only to be replaced by Mike Robertson and Julien Walker doing very good impressions of the girls - sporting tight leopard skin dresses and blonde wigs!

The event was a great success and the BMC team had a great time, especially once the running and almost puking bit was over and the exciting high rope shenanigans began. A terrifying moment was experienced by Rob. While halfway across the Tyrolean traverse, a rope jam left him hanging above a 120m drop for a good few minutes. The team needed some great coordination to get down the 120m abseil without losing their balloons (points were awarded for hanging onto them!), especially avoiding popping them on the very hot descenders towards the bottom!  Then it was only a quick crank up the speed climb that stood between them and a pint of 'Cheddar Ale' and a hog roast!

Other open events ran alongside the 'Cheddar Man Marathon' including the largest ever first ascent, a fancy dress climb and a open speed climb, making the event a great success to watch and take part in.  The BMC hopes to be able to go back next year to challenge for the title of 'Cheddar Man'.

Pictures and a full list of positions will posted as soon as they are received. There may also be a short section on the event on ITV South West tonight around 6-6:30pm.

More details at the Cheddar Caves & Gorge website

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