Events and Listings guide

Organisers have hailed the 2008 Ten Tors Challenge on Dartmoor a great success.

The 2007 event had to be abandoned because of atrocious weather on Dartmoor - but this year, the weather behaved itself.

In fact, it was a bit too hot for some of the 2,400 youngsters taking part in the two-day event on 10-11 May.

Around 250 youngsters had to pull out - and heat was a factor.

A long two-day hike awaits the teams

A spokesman for the organisers, the Army's 43 Brigade, said: "Some of those who pulled out would have been dehydrated.

"Others pulled out with twisted ankles and blisters - particularly blisters. It's a long way to walk in two days."

The annual event started from Okehampton camp at 7am on Saturday 10 May. There are three challenges - 35 miles, 45 miles and 55 miles. All competitors must make it back to the camp by 5pm on Sunday - or they are pulled off the moor.

Some 300 competitors also take part in the Jubilee Challenge for young people with special physical or educational needs.

Held on the Saturday of Ten Tors weekend, the Jubilee Challenge entrants share the same pressures and achievements as those taking part in the main event. Entrants cover distances ranging from 7.5 to 15 miles.

It's all smiles at the Jubilee Challenge finish

In all, 400 teams from all over the UK crossed the starting line for the gruelling 48-hour trek across the moor.

The event requires good team work, and above all the determination to overcome Dartmoor's unpredictable weather.

In 2007, the organisers were forced to abandon the event for only the second time in its 47 year history after the Dartmoor weather showed its worst temper.

All 2,400 youngsters taking part had to be evacuated off the moor, assisted by the Army, 700 volunteers and two Royal Navy helicopters.

Two months earlier, Charlotte Shaw, 14, from Edgehill College, north Devon, died after falling into a swollen stream during a training exercise for the event.

Unfinished business

Some of the teams denied last time, reformed for the 2008 Ten Tors. Having experienced the moor at its worst, they returned determined to complete the challenge.

The Ten Tors is a roller-coaster of blisters, doubt, tiredness, aching limbs - and overwhelming achievement.

The event is billed as a challenging adventure that demands careful planning, endurance, skilful navigation and teamwork by all the participants - but it's not a race to finish.

Those taking part are expected to be self-sufficient, carrying everything they need to survive two days on the moor.