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Walsall school staff take on Three Peaks Challenge for The Oscar Mile

Thirty members of staff from Ryders Hayes School are preparing to take on the iconic Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge on March 21, following weeks of dedicated training walks across Staffordshire.

By contributor Natalie Rylance
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Supporting image for story: Walsall school staff take on Three Peaks Challenge for The Oscar Mile
Smiles all round as Ryders Hayes staff complete their final 15.5-mile training walk at Cannock Chase in preparation for the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge in support of the Oscar Mile.

The team has completed three training walks in recent months, gradually building distance and endurance in preparation for the 24-mile challenge, which includes climbing Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough within 12 hours.

Their final training walk took place at Cannock Chase, where 18 staff members covered an impressive 15.5 miles in warm spring sunshine. The walk marked the culmination of a structured training programme designed to prepare the wider team of 30 for the physical demands of the Yorkshire peaks.



Smiles all round as Ryders Hayes staff complete their final 15.5-mile training walk at Cannock Chase in preparation for the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge in support of the Oscar Mile.
Smiles all round as Ryders Hayes staff complete their final 15.5-mile training walk at Cannock Chase in preparation for the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge in support of the Oscar Mile.

Earlier walks across local countryside and woodland routes steadily increased in distance and terrain difficulty, strengthening both stamina and team spirit.

The challenge is about more than endurance. Staff are raising funds in support of The Oscar Mile - a campaign to build a Daily Mile track in memory of Oscar. The track will provide a lasting legacy for pupils, promoting physical wellbeing and outdoor activity for generations of children.

Ryders Hayes staff power through Cannock Chase during their final 15.5-mile training walk, building endurance for the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge to raise funds for the Oscar Mile.
Ryders Hayes staff power through Cannock Chase during their final 15.5-mile training walk, building endurance for the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge to raise funds for the Oscar Mile.

A staff member (Mr Rylance) from Ryders Hayes said: “These training walks have brought our staff together in an incredible way. There’s been laughter, encouragement and real determination at every stage. We’re taking on the Three Peaks not just as a physical challenge, but to make a lasting difference for our children through The Oscar Mile, which is close to everyone’s heart.”

The team covered 15.46 miles with 1,194 feet of elevation gain during their final training walk at Cannock Chase, completing the route in just over five hours.
The team covered 15.46 miles with 1,194 feet of elevation gain during their final training walk at Cannock Chase, completing the route in just over five hours.

Together, the Yorkshire Three Peaks form one of the UK’s most well-known endurance hiking routes.

The team will set off in the early hours of 21st March, aiming to complete the challenge within the 12-hour target time.

Anyone wishing to support The Oscar Mile fundraising campaign can visit: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/rydershayesschool-oscarmile