The Grim Challenge
Rachel, Alex and Nina formed the Green Dream Team to run in the Grim Challenge on 6 December 2008. The girls raised a total of £1060.50 in sponsorship money, plus a matched sponsorship from Greenstreet Berman’s Directors. The Grim Challenge is an eight-mile run on rough terrain at Aldershot’s army vehicle testing ground. The Challenge involved scrambling under cargo nets; wading through thick, yellow clay pits; and running through freezing cold ‘puddles’ that ranged from ankle to almost hip height. If you would like to donate money to Daisy’s Dream then please go the Green Dream Team’s fundraising webpage on the Justgiving site.
About the event
Nina Williams:
"I was really anxious about doing the Challenge because I hadn’t been running in about 20 years, although I loved it as a kid. When it came down it though, I absolutely loved it and would definitely do it again, though perhaps not in winter…running through freezing water makes your feet go completely numb and it’s the oddest feeling in the world – like having no feet at all! The best thing though was running in a team with Rachel and Alex – it was great to be able to motivate and be motivated by each other, and I’m sure I couldn’t have done it otherwise!"
Alexandra Rogers:
"I thoroughly enjoyed running the Grim Challenge particularly facing such a tough challenge with a dedicated team and for such a worthy cause. Despite the cold water and thick mud I would definitely take part in this event or similar again. Lets hope this isn't the last we see of the Green Dream Team!"
Rachel Smith:
"I loved taking part in the Grim Challenge; it was definitely a ‘challenge’ for me not having done anything like that before. But it was well worth it and it was great to see so many people come along to support us for the race. I would definitely recommend The Grim to anyone that was thinking about it."
Jon Berman:
"When I heard that Alex, Nina and Rachel had accepted the Grim Challenge I decided I had to turn up on the day – mainly to support them but also to check they actually did it! There was a definite air of apprehension at the start – the grins were just a little bit ‘fixed’ – but loads of support from family, friends and the other runners. It all looked a little bit tame – it was sunny and dry… until I got to the cargo net… at which point my respect for the runners rocketed (that’s where some of the photos were taken). And then plummeted again as they came past (its amazing how far mud can splash – some of us spectators ended up almost as muddy as the runners)… The girls earned every penny of sponsorship – and I’m looking forward to watching the next one (but from a greater distance…)"
See our photos
Click on a thumbnail to view the full image.
You can also view a quick video from the start of the race.
