“Team Homebase for Centrepoint prepares to leave for the toughest race on the planet; the Centenary Race to the South Pole”.
Almost 100 years to the day since Norwegian explorer Amundsen beat Sir Robert Falcon Scott in their epic duel to the South Pole, Team Homebase for Centrepoint are about to become part of an elite group as they prepare to begin on “the toughest race in the world” - ‘The Extreme World Races Centenary Race to the South Pole’.
After months of training and preparation Team Centrepoint are almost ready to leave for Antarctica and embark on a trek across the world’s coldest, bleakest desert. “The race will be a life-changing, once in a lifetime opportunity to travel on foot in one of the last truly wild places on the planet whilst raising awareness of the plight of homeless young people in London. We cannot possibly imagine how Captain L.E.G. Oates must have felt when he walked willingly to his death in a blizzard, to try and save his comrades - A true hero!”
Inspired by the original Antarctic challenge between Captain Robert Falcon Scott and Roald Amundsen the race features six teams and brings together national UK charities MENCAP, Keep A Child Alive and homeless charity Centrepoint as they raise funds and race to be first to the pole.
Taking place for only the fourth time ever, the second race in 2009, filmed for the BBC’s “On Thin Ice” documentary series, saw history repeat itself as TV celebrity Ben Fogle and Olympian James Cracknell were narrowly defeated by a Norwegian team.
Tony Martin, Race Organiser and MD; “For any adventurer, this is the ultimate test. Entrants are about to face the challenge of their lives and must not underestimate the mental strength needed to successfully cross Antarctica.” About Centrepoint
When and what will they face?
December 2011 to mid February 2012, competitors will negotiate multiple crevasses, cross snow bridges and rise to 3000m on the high polar plateau, as they battle along the 704km route. With winds up to 80mph and temperatures as low as -40C, this is the ultimate extreme endurance race set in the stunning landscape of one of the coldest, driest and highest deserts on earth.
Tracking & Monitoring
All those who enter will be fitted with tracking devices and participants will be able to download audio diaries to report on their progress. All teams and individuals progress will be updated regularly. You can follow all the action exclusively on the EWR website www.extremeworldraces.com
The race is being filmed for a documentary series by international production company Urban Brew Studios.
Centrepoint is the leading national charity that supports, houses and campaigns for homeless young people who are aged 16-25.
Every day Centrepoint supports and houses up to 800 young people who through a variety of circumstances have found themselves on the streets of London and the North East. Centrepoint not only provides accomodation and a safe haven but a package of support to help homeless young people stay off the streets for good.
From counselling to which equipping young people with the skills that they need for work, Centrepoint have dedicated teams which help young people to tackle the reasons why they became homeless in the first place and offer them a chance to turn their lives around through initiatives such as counselling and training schemes which enable young people to get back into training, education or employment. For more information please visit www.centrepoint.org.uk
How your gift can help a homeless person
Funding to take part in the race was secured by the team, therefore none of the money you donate will pay for us to go.
£100 provides meals, secure accommodation and support for one person for four days
£250 covers the cost of a course in job interview techniques for five young people
£500 provides hot meals and accommodation for everyone in an emergency shelter for one night
£1000 provides hot meals and accommodation for everyone in an emergency shelter over Christmas and Boxing Day
£2000 provides accommodation for one week for everyone in a specialist service for homeless young people with health and support needs
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
So please dig deep and donate now.
