FOUR hundred teams of young people from across the South West will gather at Okehampton Army Camp on May 12 to embark on the 41st Ten Tors challenge.
The event will this year will be started by Major General Peter Grant-Peterkin, the general officer commanding Five Division based in Shrewsbury and a prayer will be offered by the Bishop of Exeter.
Organisers are hoping there will be a repeat of last year's 'perfect' weather so the teams of six get the best possible start to their 35/45 or 55 mile challenge.
The youngsters, aged between 14 and 20, have been training for the last three months to prepare themselves.
Ten Tors Secretary Major Michael Pether said he was looking forward to a 'splendid event' which had attracted over 600 applications.
Approximately 250 people will be taking part in the 15-mile Jubilee Challenge which is for disadvantaged children
'We are hoping for good visibility and light drizzle and nothing too hot, too cold or too wet,' said Major Pether.
'It is not a competition or a race — there is no extra bonus if you get in first. You either finish it or you don't and usually about 75 per cent make it depending on the conditions.
'Hopefully the majority will get through this year if they have prepared well enough.'
Ten Tors is the largest youth event of its kind in the country.