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Winding Paths in Devon hills

Winding Paths takes virtual running to a whole new level

The accent is on the ascent in this 3 Peaks Virtual Challenge

Race promoter Winding Paths is offering two virtual challenges with a new slant. The 3 Peaks Virtual Challenge will take you up the three highest mountains of England, Wales and Scotland, while Journey of the Ring Virtual Challenge is all about losing yourself in New Zealand on the film set locations of the classic Lord of the Rings movies.

The 3 Peaks Virtual Challenge has started already but you can join anytime and take as long as you need to complete the challenge. This is a virtual event with a twist as the accent is on the ascent rather than distance. The challenge is to complete the combined height of the 3 Peaks (3,408m or 11,182 feet) as recorded by your choice of technology.

You can do this in a week, a month, three months or as long as it takes. There is no pressure but you can opt to have your achievement (height gained and elapsed time) published on Winding Paths' finishers list or tick the no publicity box!

The 3 Peaks are: Scafell Pike, England (978m/3,209 feet); Snowdon, Wales (1,085m/3,560 feet) and Ben Nevis, Scotland (1,345m/4,413 feet). You will certainly need a positive altitude to successfully scale those three!

Also starting soon is Journey of the Ring Virtual Challenge, where you can unleash your inner Hobbit and traverse spectacular countryside starting at Matamata, the location of the Shire. Other highlights on your virtual 650-mile journey include Kaitoke Park, Waiterere Forest and Mount Ngauruhoe as you recreate the ring bearers odyssey. 

Journey of the Ring Virtual Challenge starts on 1 February and you will have until 31 January 2022 – a whole year – to complete your 650 miles of running and/or walking. You can choose to join a Virtual Mission Map that syncs with your device to move you virtually along the route. The Mission Map also allows you to monitor other runners' progress and in certain locations will provide street views/photos of your stunning virtual location.  

Entries cost £20 for the 3 Peaks Virtual Challenge and £22 for the Journey of the Ring Virtual Challenge which includes use of the Mission Map technology. Both events feature bespoke finishers medals included in the entry fee and you can, of course, enter for both challenges.

Full details at Winding Paths website or via runABC South virtual events listing

Image: Winding Paths website

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