Patagonian Expedition Race
Green Sentinels of the UK Prepare for the Patagonian Expedition Race
Press Release / 26.01.2016
With only a few weeks to go the Green Sentinels Adventure Team are busy making final preparations prior to undertaking the coveted Patagonian Expedition Race 13th – 26th February 2016.
The team of four will be representing the UK in one of the most challenging internationally televised adventure races across 500 miles of Chilean wilderness, whilst raising money for three very worthwhile charities – ShelterBox, Help for Heros and the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
Selected to represent the UK ‘The Green Sentinels’ – a team consisting of Ben Spurway (43), Natalie Gardner (29), Ben Hill (25) and James Gardner (21) – will be pitted up against 20 other teams from across the world.
Billed as the ‘Last Wild Race’ and seen by the International Adventure Racing community as the ‘jewel in the crown’ in
the series of multi-sport events. The team will trek, mountain bike and sea kayak through the wild and untouched Patagonian region of Chile’s Extreme South for ten-days in February 2016, with the route only being presented to the team 24 hours before they start.
The Green Sentinels consist of former or serving Regular Army and Army Reserve personnel and were founded with the aim of highlighting the plight of injured service personnel.
Acknowledged by renowned explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes who said; “The Green Sentinels is a brave and courageous cause that will positively change the lives of suffering ex-servicemen and their loved ones in a truly inspiring way”.
The team who all have extensive outdoor and military experience comprises of an Adventure Training Instructor and international Expedition Leader, a Physiotherapist, a Physical Training Instructor and an Engineering Student.
The Green Sentinels will delve deep into the uncharted region facing snow capped mountains, indigenous forest, impenetrable scrub, raging rivers, expansive fjords, and spectacular glaciers, on their ten day endeavor.
As they will be travelling autonomously between stages they have been taking their training very seriously. Race strategy and teamwork are acknowledged as key factors in the Patagonian Expedition Race by three times winner Nick Gracie, of Team GodZone, who has been mentoring the team.
With this in mind the Green Sentinels have worked with the Team GB kayak coach on their Sea Kayaking skills during an expedition in the Scottish highlands, underwent mountain bike training in North Wales and have undertaken a three-day 100 miles endurance navigation exercise in the Lake District.
Watch their training video here. The group has also been utilising their military training, completing assault courses, competitions, mountain training, weighted marches, and regular fitness sessions.
The Green Sentinels are fundraising for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, Help for Heros and ShelterBox. They have a wide range of corporate sponsors and support from Up&Go, High5 Sports Nutrition, World Challenge Expeditions, Victorinox, Mereo Performance Wear, Gorilla Gear Tech, Sea Kayaking Cornwall, Army Reserve and Comrie Croft Bikes but are still looking for further support.
You can find out more about the Green Sentinels here and donate to their charities here or contact Ben Spurway, or Natalie Gardner, via hello@greensentinels.uk
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