Coastguard team to take on epic endurance challenge along North Devon coast

A team of hardy fundraisers is planning to run, swim, cycle and kayak the South West coastline this June to mark the 50th anniversary of The Coastguard Association.

Between Friday, June 19 and Sunday, June 21 the Coasties 50 50 Challenge will be a non-stop endurance mission to complete a 150-mile journey to connect all 14 coastguard stations in ‘Area 12’, from Polzeath to Portishead.

Formed in 1976, The Coastguard Association (CGA) helps serving or retired members of the coastguard and their families through times of genuine hardship, poverty or distress.

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Timings and the route of the challenge are still provisional and subject to the weather, but the Torridge and North Devon stretch of the challenge is set to run all day on Saturday, June 20 with the Coasties arriving at Hartland station at around 9pm on the Friday.

Then on the Saturday they will continue on to coastguard stations at Bideford, Croyde, Mullacott and Lynmouth, before ending the day at Minehead.

The journey will be completed entirely through ‘human power’ and while much depends on the weather and the exact methods may change, currently the plan is to cycle from Hartland to Lynmouth, with a run at Lynmouth followed by a kayak to Minehead.

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In a statement, the team behind Coasties 50 50 said: “For 50 years, The Coastguard Association has been the hidden lifeline for our rescuers, providing mental health and welfare support when the pagers go quiet.

“This challenge is a physical manifestation of that 50-year commitment. It’s about honouring those who drop everything to save lives by pushing our own physical and mental limits.”

The team is planning to train hard in the coming weeks before the start of the challenge. Any local businesses, groups or individuals that would like to help raise awareness or make donations are invited to find out more at https://coasties5050.uk