Christ College Brecon is calling on outdoor enthusiasts to join its charity challenge which will coincide with the King’s coronation this May bank holiday weekend.

The Coronation Mountain Challenge is part of the school’s ambitious 2041 Mountain Challenge which launched last year and invites competitors to push themselves to their limits and take on one of three different hiking routes around the Brecon Beacons.

The Challenge will be held annually up until 2041 which will mark the school’s 500th anniversary. It aims to raise money year-on-year for the Christ College Brecon Foundation, which funds students’ bursaries, and Brecon Mountain Rescue. Last year £2500 was raised.

There are three routes: a low level 10-mile, a high level 13-mile and a more challenging high level 23-mile route which covers some iconic peaks such as Pen y Fan, Corn Ddu and Fan y Big.

Friends Isobel and Emma completed the 13-mile challenge last year and are planning on tackling it again this year.

Isobel said: “We thoroughly enjoyed the challenge last year, despite not being the most confident navigators, we were pleased that Brecon Mountain Rescue team were on hand to reassure us at the checkpoints that we were on the right track.

“The combination of a sunny day and glorious views across the whole route, made for a lovely day out. We are hoping to improve our times at this year’s challenge.”

Martyn Thomas, development director said: “We are looking forward to this year’s Mountain Challenge, especially as it is taking place on the coronation bank holiday weekend. It’s a great opportunity for families to enjoy a day out together on a weekend of national celebration.”

Dr Rob Powell, team leader at Brecon Mountain Rescue, said: “We’re delighted to once again be involved in the Christ College Brecon 2041 Mountain Challenge, encouraging participants to responsibly enjoy our fantastic National Park.

“Our close relationship with the school means we can support events like this alongside their adventure programme, and they support us in return. As a charitable, volunteer run organisation, relationships like this are very important to us and we can’t thank them enough for the funds raised through their activities.”

The Coronation Mountain Challenge takes place on May 7 2023, and the deadline for signing up is May 2.

Entry fees range from £5 to £25, and all junior participants must be accompanied by an adult. Fabian4 will again be providing individual tracking and records of competitor timings.