Ravenwood Children’s Trust -- EACH
St Nicholas Hospice
Craig returns from the jungle in one piece and to our amazement looks great, here he is with Julie his wife who was so delighted to have him home again.
Congratulations Craig he was one of the 23 to complete this harrowing marathon out of over 50 runners.
Final stage
The last stage of the race took place along some of the most glorious beaches that border the river Tapajos. 22km of sand with of course a few water crossings thrown in to keep runners cool.
By 11.30 all of the competitors who were still in the race had crossed the finish line and even some of those who had dropped out on previous stages joined in for this last 22km.
Runners and support staff then had lunch on the beach in Maracana, drank copious amounts of beer and cheered on their fellow runners as they reached the end of their journey.
A qucik few hours in a local hotel to wash off that jungle smell will be followed by a party and prize giving tonight at "Casa de Saulo", an enchanting restaurant in Carpanaria, a suburb of Santarem.
Operating a race in an extreme environment is never without logistic issues, however careful the planning, and the 2011 edition of jungle marathon was no exception. It is a credit to the runners and support staff that they took these in their stride and that their was much celebration as the 2011 race due to a close.
Stage 5 – Part II – Oct 14, 2011
The overnight part of the 2day stage unfolded with drama and extreme conditions. The leading athletes running through the jungle overnight met head on with a raging rainforest fire – which came within 100m of the makeshift track through the dense jungle. As if that wasn’t hard enough the competitors endured no sleep, all the jungle animal kingdom on display at night and steep inclines and declines through swamps and rivers under the moonlight canopy. Once through the jungle part at check point 6, most athletes elected for some food from their packs (late late dinner) and a few minutes rest before moving onto the mangrove swamps and beach tracks around the beautiful lagoon of Altar do Chao.
The majority of athletes had serious foot issues on stage 5, with the scorching heat and running on the dirt (after river and mud crossings) taking their toll on almost all feet and toes. Also some athletes found direction markers hard to find in the jungle moonlight which caused navigation confusion. In the end heat exhaustion won the day with the majority of athletes not finding their way to check point 7, either pulling out on check points 3, 4, 5 or 6.
With the 10th checkpoint being the finish line the runners remaining in the race wound their way through check points 7, 8 & 9 along the stunning beaches to the picturesque town of Ponta de Pedra (Point of the Stones).
100KM Race Update
As of stage 4
the following athletes completed the 100km (covering a total distance of 117km) ultra marathon: Arron Worbey, Nick Walters, Tracey Stevens, Martin Nobbs, Tony Marchant, Luis Larcerda, Luis Gustavo.
The following athletes will complete their 100km with the 240km group on the final day going into the beautiful Amazon beach city of Santarem: Matt Barrelle, Marcio Villar, Ronnis Blair & Nick Walters
Stage 5
31 competitors started stage 5 this morning at the early time of 5am to beat the morning sunlight and get a head start on the 117km all day, night, and following day run. A beautiful run along the white sand beach of the Amazon National Park of Tapajos was followed by a river crossing up to check point 1. All competitors made it to check point 2 & 3 by around 1pm, where the temperature hit 40+ degrees and extreme humidity. 9 Runners made it through check point 5 by 5pm while the others who arrived at the jungle entrance later had to wait for the next opening at 10pm and travel safe as a group through the very dangerous night jungle phase.
Stage 3 started off with a river crossing and then probably the toughest stage to date. After a few kilometer on flat trails runners faced treacherous climbs and steep decents. Couple this with the distance and the scorching heat, the day took its toll on even the toughest of runners, including renowned Brazilian ultra runner Marcio Viliar, who was one of the favourites to win. Strong finishes included Roberto Martins of Brazil, Javier Subias and Julen Urdubeai of Spain, and the flying Scotsman Dan Dillon. The heros of tenacity were surely: Sally Thorne, Juli Goldstein, Arron Worby Nick Walters, and Tony Marchent all of who arrived within the cut off as darkness was falling. Black Jaguars were spotted by several competitors on the course today (not too far from the finish line), but as runners try to settle down and sleep in the wet kit (after torrential rain), in the deep jungle campsite, they are hoping that the campfires and armed guides will keep the predators at bay.
11th October 2011 - Day 2
Hi, Interesting night with mangos falling from 40 foot trees onto our hammocks, great for breakfast though, day 2 started 7am with 200 meter swim across the
Amazon, followed by 26 k run through very deep jungle, have to keep eyes on trail whole time as full of interesting huge holes covered over by jungle that are perfect b & b for
Amazon reptilian residents, very hot again with high humidity , ran the whole day with a
German surgeon, we are similar pace, finished better placing than 1st day, difficult to get hydration right , need a cold beer that would do the trick !
10th October 2011 - Day 1
Hi, First day of racing today, took it careful and ran with a team at the back as rucksack is at heaviest 16.5kg, and needed to acclimatise to the heat 37 deg with 90% humidity. Interesting swamp crossings very spooky as quite dark and you are not sure what is in the water, jungle is eerily still with very unusual animal sounds, you can hear the animals moving around close to you, but do not see them, but you know they can see you. No drop outs today even though it was a tough stage, hills comparable to climbing
Scar Fell, very friendly natives in the villages, children are really
beautiful and very interested to watch you when you stop at check points. Found first stage ok then
midday day heat really catches you out and just saps all your strength. Some very
interesting people out here all with a story to tell and amazing world class
athletes. (with 1 exception)
9th October 2011
Hi all, had interesting 40 plus hours of travelling to reach central Amazon. Amazing country, Just finished day of jungle training in preparation of tomorrows 5.30 am start of race. Approx 40
competitors with British representing about 15, very fit guys, think I need to get back in the gym, bit late now though ! saw very rare river dolphins today, beautiful creatures, had brief encounter with Caiman (Amazon crocodile) looking forward to getting into the race.
They have all arrived safe and sound and the boat has also reached the Amazon with all competitors aboard!
The Jungle Marathon -this is the latest we will not hear from the
organisers until 9th at the earliest.
There is an international field of runners and support staff includes Japan, USA, Canada, New Zealand, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Spain, France, Switzerland, Netherlands,
Estonia, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Israel , Palestine, Chile and ,of course, Brazil.
Follow Craig Jarvis on THE AMAZON JUNGLE MARATHON by following Craig's progress here or Facebook ... how will he cope? with debilitating humidity, struggling through swamps and encountering the most hostile environment in the world .Please support him and donate
Check out this YouTube video for last year's race
To donate to EACH
To donate to St Nicholas Hospice
Ravenwood Trust Charity Update - September 2011
In February of this year I returned to India for
my 3rd fundraising trip and with 5 other
motorcycle mounted volunteers and 2 paramedics,
guided 55 fund raising motorcyclists through
Southern India. The trip covered 5 states and
2,500 km raising over £80,000 for a number of
charities including Save the Children, the
Rainbow Trust Children's Charity and
Project
Ashram (Indian educational charity). I took a
well-wishing card from my daughter's (Molly age
8) class at South Lee School in Bury St Edmunds. Along the
route, I visited many small remote village
schools.
Great news, Mission accomplished!
Grateful thanks to you all we raised £10,000 for EACH ( East Anglia Children Hospices) to go towards their tree house appeal, building an amazing new hospice in Ipswich. The building was opened in June 2011 and it is a remarkable place with such a dedicated team making a real difference to the children’s lives
July was a busy month, on Sunday 10TH July
Ravenwood Hall Children's Trust had a team for the London 10k race also running for Facing Africa. Central London was closed off for the event which attracted approx 30,000 entrants. The team of eight had a great day, experienced runners and those first timers all put in a
marvellous effort and we are waiting to see how much was raised. Two of the team won their place at the annual charity ball auction in 2010( this year it is held on November 27th ) and most have already volunteered for next year. Are there any takers for team 2012? If so please ring Chris Knight 01359 270345 for details
Then on Friday 29TH July
I joined a group of parents ,staff, Derek Whipp the head master and a governor from South Lee School to climb the three peaks, Ben Nevis, Scarfell Pike and Snowdon, the 11,178 feet or 26 miles in 24 hours including driving. This was to raise money for two great charities,
The Alzheimer’s Society and EACH (East Anglia's Children's Hospices) .We unfortunately encountered a blocked road in Scotland which delayed us. However Justin Adams completed the challenge with 2 minutes to spare, he ran up and down Snowdon in 3 hours!
Even with bad visibility and poor weather we all finished ,even if most of us were nursing various sore parts of our bodies! It was all worth it as at the moment £3,618.75 has been raised .
On OCTOBER 6TH
, the self sufficient runners will take one week, carrying their own food and equipment through primary Amazon jungle in Brazil with debilitating humidity, struggling through swamps and encountering the most hostile environment in the world insert .This taxing and exhilarating 222km challenge can be seen from
last years race
As many of you know I have a passion at home and abroad and continue to support those who Ravenwood Children’s Trust has personally raised, plus helping other fundraisers to achieve their goals….here are some of those. EACH(East Anglian Children Hospice’s),St Nicolas Hospice Care, Ravenwood Montessori school in Sri Lanka, St Cristobels children’s home in Goa, Rhys Daniel trust, Facing Africa-children ravaged by Noma, Multiple Sclerosis, A garden for the Rainbow children’s ward at West Suffolk hospital in Bury St Edmunds, The Lord Taverner’s Club, Riding for the disabled, A purpose built bicycle for a handicapped child, A winch for disabled children at the swimming pool in Bury St Edmunds and the Alzheimer's society. Please help us to help the children
Raffle tickets are on sale in the hotel to support the trust, with amazing prizes. So on your next visit please purchase some. This popular raffle is drawn at the New Years Eve Ball so why not come along and have a fantastic time and you just might be a winner!
Ravenwood Trust Charity Update - February
2011
In
February of this year Craig Jarvis, along with 5 other motorcycle
mounted volunteers and 2 paramedics, guided 55 fund raising
motorcyclists through Southern India. The trip covered 5 states and
2,500 klm raising over £80,000 for a number of charities including Save
the Children, the Rainbow Trust Children's Charity and Project Ashram
(Indian educational charity). Craig Jarvis took a well-wishing card from
his daughter's (Molly age 8) class at South Lee School in Bury. Along
the route, Craig visited many small remote village schools. Ravenwood
Children's Trust also supports The Sister Rose's Children's Home in Goa.
This is Craig's 3rd fund-raising trip to India.
Every year Ravenwood Hall and Black Lion Hotel owner Craig Jarvis, embarks on many ventures to the aim of raising money as much money as possible for The Ravenwood Children’s Trust and other local children’s charities.
During 2009/2010 to celebrate Craig’s 50th birthday he committed to five ultimate challenges with the aim to raise £11,000 – in fact we are delighted that the total amount raised stands at £36,000, smashing the original target. The challenges were:
CHALLENGE 1 - By Mountain
The National Three Peaks Challenge – a mighty challenge that involved climbing the three highest peaks, respectively, in England, Wales and Scotland and all within 24 hours.
The Peaks were:
• Snowdon (Wales – 1085 metres high)
• Scafell Pike (England – 978 metres high)
• Ben Nevis (Scotland – 1344 metres high)
In a team of eight, timing was everything and we only have a few hours for each mountain. With a designated driver to travel between mountains it enabled the team to sleep on route.
The weather was terrible and the rest of Craig’s team decided to turn back half way up, however Craig was determined to complete his very first challenge and continued with another team – but what Craig didn’t know was that the other team would not be accompanying him back down (he descended alone in the middle of the night…).
CHALLENGE 2 - By Road
10k Run - The very next day after the three peaks challenge Craig ran the Official ASICS British 10K London run, raising money for the Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity. It is a popular event that takes runners past many of central London’s famous historic landmarks. It was unfortunate that Craig’s Three Peak’s team members also left with his trainers, he had to run the entire 10k in his wet and soggy walking boots!
CHALLENGE 3 - By Turf
Newmarket Town Plate – In August 2009 Craig raced in the Newmarket Town Plate horse race. He had to lose over two stone in weight. The race is for amateur jockeys; it is over 3 miles 6 furlongs in length and was founded back in 1665 by King Charles II.
Craig managed to lose the right amount of weight and competed in this famous event.
CHALLENGE 4 - By Trail
With a team of 12 people, Craig set off heading for the start of a 2,000 mile off-road trail motorbike ride that went through some of the most remote parts of Cambodia, a country that has one of the highest infant mortality rates. This gave Craig a chance to locate new projects for the Ravenwood Children’s Trust to support. Craig endured high temperatures, rode through some testing terrain and visited remote villages, he is also found a new beneficiary for some funds.
CHALLENGE 5 - By Sand - April 2010
The mighty Marathon Des Sable 2010 - Known as the toughest foot race on earth this is the ultimate endurance race across the Sahara Desert in Morocco and pushes contestants to their absolute limits. Nicknamed the Sand Marathon it covers 151 miles over just 7 days. In addition, competitors had to carry everything they will need to survive - it really is survival of the fittest.
Craig endured the most testing conditions ever, running in 51 degree heat in the day and 2 degree chill at night, over dunes, open plane and rocky mountains. Having to carry and cook all own food along the way, having to consume 13 litres of water a day to survive and with incredible sore feet. Body management, foot care and mental strength was the key to completing this amazing race, where he finished in 685th place out of well over 1,000 competitors - British Olympian James Cracknell came in at 12th position.
Beneficiaries:
To date the following causes have benefitted over the years:
- St Nicholas Hospice Care
- Ravenwood Montessori School in Sri Lanka
- St Cristobel’s children’s home in Goa
- Multiple Sclerosis
- A garden for the Rainbow children’s ward at West Suffolk hospital Bury St. Edmunds
- The Lord Taverner’s Club
- Riding for the disabled
- A purpose built bicycle for a handicapped child
- A winch for disabled children at the swimming pool in Bury St. Edmunds
- Rhys Daniel Trust
- Facing Africa – children ravaged by Norma
Future projects and challenges:
Ravenwood Children’s Trust also helps local charities and individual cases whenever possible. A new project Craig discovered on challenge 4 was a tiny village in the heart of Cambodia. He has already sent parcels of clothes for the children and intends to assist further in the future.
During 2011 with everyone’s help, Craig hopes to continue to boost fund. EACH (East Anglia Children’s Hospice) are building a new hospice in Ipswich which needs £3.7 million, so they really do need our help. We are trying to raise £10,000 for this tree house appeal – for more details see www.each.org.uk/treehouse.