The challenge is about 70% mental, 30% physical. If you do some kind of regular excercise that does not involve holding a pint glass, a dart, or a pool cue, you can probably do it. There is a total of 40km of walking, the challenge becomes very hard work, particularly walking up Snowdon in the dark! We recommend reading through the reports of previous challenges before you sign up and getting some practice or training before the actual event.

Photo: The last teams finish Snowdon, 2004.

You will need two bags, one rucsac to walk with and another to contain all your non walking gear you leave at the bottom. For information on what walking kit you need, take a look at the kit list. All the usual stuff is on there. If you are an experienced walker you will probably have a fair idea. You need to have your own walking boots (or fell running shoes), trainers aren`t good enough for the terrain. Trousers suitable for walking in are needed, we won't allow denim. You will also need a good waterproof top with hood.

Photo: The Fast team waiting to start, 2004.

Unfortunately, we cant control the weather, but unless the weather is really really awful, it shouldnt affect the success of the challenge - providing you have the right clothing and kit. When you start Ben Nevis at around 5am it will probably be drizzling or raining lightly, not too cold (because you are walking), and probably misty near the top with patches of snow.

If its a nice day like the last two years were you could be walking up Scafel Pike in bright sunlight with a gentle breeze, maybe even getting a tan or risking sun burn. If not it could be raining and windy, and misty fog can come down and reduce visibility to about 10m like in 2002. Snowdon is done pretty much all in the dark. It might be dry and still like last two years, or it might be raining. It could be slating it down like 2002!

It`ll cost you about £50 - £60, depending on how much grant we can get and how much sponsorship we get. Last year it cost £60 per person to run the challenge, and everyone paid £46 to go. We`re hoping to keep the cost under £50 this year, including an exclusive, swanky, 3 peaks T-shirt - worth £10 in itself! If you know of any company who might want to sponsor us, please contact us - it will make it cheaper for you! This is a great deal - if you pay to do it with a company it will cost you over £300, or you have to raise a ridiculous amount of sponsorship!

Photo: Money left for a drink, 3 peaks social, 2004.