Exmoor 30:30 – another stomping success!

Exmoor 30:30, the rugged endurance race covering 30 miles or 30 kms whilst carrying 30lbs has announced the dates for 2012 – Saturday 15thSeptember. To date, the event has attracted teams from far and wide including the Norwegian Special Forces, the Parachute Regiment, the Metropolitan Police, the Walking With The Wounded team of amputees who trekked to the North Pole with HRH Prince Harry earlier this year, as well as corporate and local teams. All take on the course in the most inhospitable weathers. And for the first time, the event had the corporate support of Europe’s largest military footwear manufacturer, YDS.

Exmoor 30:30 was the idea of Henry Gordon Clark and raises funds for the Royal British Legion. He explained “this annual race is arduous but rewarding for all the participants. The rules are kept to a minimum but those who enter, whether they are civilians or military, must be capable of carrying moderate weight over difficult and changing terrain. Exmoor is unforgiving and over the entire course, the teams climb more than 3,000 ft and negotiate open moorland, footpaths, fields and rivers so suitable fitness, strength and pre event training are essential. For the first time the event offered alternative courses – a 30 mile course or a 30km course - and not only did the event attract twice the number of female participants but we also saw a junior (under 18) team complete the course too.”

This year’s winning team – South Molton Branch Team of the Royal British Legion, completed the 30 mile course in 8 hours 55 mins and raised a total of £13,000. The ex military team included Barney Andrews (Captain), Ian Marchant, Paul Hackman, Joe Hoar and Ed Pell. “Our secret to winning the race was carefully planned pre event training that included carrying more than the stipulated amount of 30lbs as well as a pre race trial run just a few weeks before so that we were as prepared as possible” said Barney Andrews.

At the end of the gruelling day a well earned dinner includes the presentation of the trophies that, this year, were handed out by Major General Dare Wilson CBE MC DL FRGS, former commander of 22 Special Air Service Regiment. Each member of the winning team was presented with a pair of YDS boots by UK Sales Director, Steve Hall who was full of admiration for all those participating. “This really is a difficult race and the overall conditions were extremely challenging. YDS is delighted to be supporting this event that classically displays why comfortable, well fitting, supportive footwear is essential. Our range of military footwear has just been launched into the UK and we hope that next year the participants will choose to wear them!”

Anyone wishing to participate in next year’s event should visit www.exmoor3030.org.uk

Ends

Notes to Editors

Photo Caption: South Molton Branch Team Members pictured left to right, Barney Andrews, Ian Marchant, Paul Hackman, Ed Pell, Joe Hoar

About YDS

YDS is one of the largest manufacturers and suppliers of military and work safety footwear across the world, producing 10,000 pairs of boots and shoes every day. YDS began in 1927 when Mr Yakupoglu began trading leather in Isparta, Turkey. The company supplied the domestic Turkish military and security forces with quality made boots and embarked on product design and development from 1990. Since then YDS has become the biggest boot supplier to the Turkish Armed Forces and General Directorate of Security and has gained a solid reputation for maintaining quality standards. This consistent high standard has lead to YDS becoming the largest manufacturer and supplier of Police and Military Footwear in Europe and the company is now one of four organisations shortlisted among 47 companies all over the world to supply footwear to the UK MOD over a four year period.

YDS is the first and only company in its sector to have been accepted for the ‘Brand/Turquality Support Program’ and was the first footwear manufacturer to provide injection soled military boots to Turkish soldiers who had up to that point worn solid sealed soles.

YDS manufactures all its work safety shoes to international standards including EN ISO 20345-47, ISO 9001 and OHSAS 18001 and is the only company in Turkey with a laboratory approved to ISO 17025 and accredited by SATRA & TURKAK.

YDS has a turnover of £51 million per annum, is certified to ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004 and TS 18001:2008 and is included in the Fortune 500 list in Turkey.

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