3 Mountains, 33 Hours, $310,000
Apr 03, 2018
The 12th annual Whitelion Three Peaks Challenge, held for Melbourne and Sydney teams between 22-26 March, proved to be one of the most difficult yet.
As with previous years, the aim for participants was to reach the summit of Mount Bogong, Mount Kosciuszko and Mount Tennent in just 33 hours over two days, raising vital funds at the same time. This year, however, the weather was our enemy.
In the early hours of Friday morning, a team of 10 support crew took their positions at the base of each respective mountain. Fortunately, participants were graced with beautiful hiking weather up Mount Tennent, with the ACT turning on warm sunshine and a light breeze.
Event 1 participants climbed up Mount Kosciuszko on Friday night with cold, yet adequate conditions, and were treated with a gorgeous, clear sunset at the highest point of Australia.
Yet no less than 24 hours later, Event 2 participants trekked off on their ascent Mount Kosciuszko, only to be hit with blizzard like conditions unlike any we’ve seen before on this challenge. But participants grit their teeth, remembered the good cause behind why they were doing it, and carried on, astounding all the event staff and volunteers.
Mount Bogong lived up to its nickname of “the Staircase”, with both groups discovering the harsh and unforgiving conditions this mountain can produce. Participants from Group 1 experienced all four seasons in one day - icicle eyebrows at the summit, sunscreen half way down, then relentless rain at the base. A huge effort for all participants. However, everyone involved in Three Peaks Challenge took their hats off to the dedication of Event 2 participants, braving relentless pouring rain, wind-chill in the negatives and harsh winds to take on one of Australia’s toughest mountains. To come off the back of an already testing night at Mt Kosciuszko and continue the journey up Mt Bogong, it was truly inspiring.
There is no doubt the Three Peaks Challenge this year again achieved its mission of offering personal fulfilment through a physical and mental challenge, while raising much-needed funds for Whitelion.
We are so proud and grateful not only for the participants, but for the loyal suppliers, volunteers and supporters that allow us to offer this life-changing event year after year.
Having officially sold out the event before Christmas 2017, and for the first time reaching maximum capacity of participants, we knew this event was going to be special. So far we have raised $310,000 for disengaged youth in Australia, so thank you everyone, keep the donations rolling in, and we will see you again next year!
It’s not too late to donate! Show your support here: https://bit.ly/2Itxhy3
Thanks to the participants who took the great photos below!
