The Fan Dance Pen-y-Fan 2011
21st/2nd May 2011

Event Report by ExtremeEnergy

On a typical wet, windy and chilly weekend in May we saw the 2^nd running of the Fan Dance on the Brecon Beacons in Wales, organised by Extreme Energy – www.xnrg.co.uk.

The event is one of the toughest challenges in the UK calendar, one competitor said afterwards “I have done the Commando 30 mile challenge carrying 45lb” but the Fan Dance is much much harder than that.”

The event is a run / walk / crawl to the top of Penyfan, the highest peak in the Brecon’s and down to 3 different checkpoints, a total of 15 miles (ish) and 4,500 of vertical ascent. Doing it once gets the legs burning, doing it twice, really makes the quads start to scream, doing it 3 times and your legs are like jelly.

It is a tough challenge with just running kit and basic survival equipment, but for those who love a massive challenge they entered the Fan Elite Warrior category and ran with a 30lb pack and a training rifle from the British Army.

The Fan Dance is an infamous event for British Army special forces who have to pass a similar test as part of their selection.

On arrival the competitors received a goody bag sponsored by buff, 9 Bar and Running Free Magazine, for the FEW they also received a special Fan Dance Buff sponsored by Buff.

Even before they started the competitors were treated to a free massage to get them ready for the challenge ahead !

The competitors set off between 1000 and 1030, in small waves so that they don’t all pile up on the first stile !

There were some outstanding performances over the weekend especially from a team of Metropolitan Police Adventure Club who decided they fancied the challenge.

Whilst everyone who attempted and completed the challenge should be recognised as winners, the fastest times of the day were.

Male Category

1^st Male – Jonathan Byrne

2^nd Male – James Blissett

3^rd Male – Jonathan Wright

Female Category

1^st Lady – Tish Jones

2^nd Lady – Sarah Green

3^rd Lady – Jo Ravenhill

Fan Elite Warriors

1^st FEW – Alan Bushell

2^nd FEW – Matthew Reynolds

3^rd FEW – Lee Soanes

The winners were lucky enough to be presented with a voucher for a brand new pair of Hi-Tec Infinity trail shoes. The runners up all received special Buffs.

There were 2 ladies who attempted the Fan Elite Warrior category this year, who both deserve a mention.

Although they did not manage the 3^rd climb to the top of the Fan, at least they gave it a good go. Congratulations to Jane Venn and Marianne Hunter.

As the weather closed in, the wind and the rain, along with the climbing sapped the competitors’ morale, but they still kept going with inspirational effort and an outstanding performance.

Special mention should also go to all the helpers and supporters who braved the weather especially the guys who waited on the top of the Fan in the wind and rain for the final competitors to come through.

I think the following comment sums up the race – “This was one of the toughest races I have ever done, I feel like I have achieved something special. Thank you to you and the Extreme Energy team for great organisation and a fabulous atmosphere”

Thank you and see you next year....
The Extreme Energy Team