The 'Ipswich Ike' is a hard endurance challenge run somewhere in the countryside 'near' to Ipswich. It comprises of teams of young
people (mainly but not exclusively) BB Boys who walk a course navigating their way between markers and checkpoints with the bear essentials of information and equipment comprising of a Grid Reference, a map
and compass.When the teams eventually arrive at each checkpoint, after [an on average] an hours trek, do they get a rest?
No, well kind of!
But first they have to complete a challenge to
gain points to go on the card to try and win the illustrious trophy for their Boys' Brigade company*. Before setting of again for on another timed journey to another checkpoint. Challenges include a variety
of things from arduous physical activity, to mental agility to the plain ridiculous.
And at the end of the day why do they do it? Well as a former competitor I would say for the achievement of
being able to say that you have finished (and hopefully won) the Ipswich Ike, which is a feat many people have attempted but few succeed. But also...... for the satisfaction,... for the challenge,...for the
adventure, ...for the blisters, cuts, bruises, and aching muscles (including muscles you never knew you had)!
Oh and did I mention that through all of the miles of walking the competitors have
to carry on their backs all the equipment that they will need for the entire Ike?
So why is all of this on 6thWeb? Well, because the 6th Ipswich Boys' Brigade were the Triumphant Winners of the
Ipswich Ike most recently in 1998, 1999 and 2000 (as well as several times further back in the mists of time). We are therefore obviously very proud of this achievement and want you to know.
The
1998 Ike was won by our team of Adam Baker, Steven Hart & Graeme Mateer and then both 1999 & 2000 was won our team comprising of Graeme Mateer, Neil Fox & Andi Gardner.
So on to
2001/2002... July is the usual date for the Ike but due to the Foot & Mouth epidemic it was postponed until September 2001. So from the evening of the 29th to 30th September our 2001 team competed with
all of our support to try and keep the title with the 6th Ipswich. Oh dear, almost got it! due to unforeseen circumstances and member of the team (whom shall remain nameless, ("Matthew" -Ali)) didn't
turn up. We had the points but not the team.
By July 2002 our team of gallant men Ali, Aaron and Ben (the tagalong) had been revitalised and refreshed...
The boys of the 6th travelled quickly through tough terrain.
The task that year were disappointing to say the least complained to the previous year, however the travellers fought their way
through and won. There were few points between the second and third place team yet the boys stormed through and won it through the aid of vital via points.
The Ipswich Ike 'trophy' is back where it
belongs, with the 6th Ipswich!!!
Written By Neil Fox,
Updated by Ali and Aaron
