Event Owner/Principle – Jonathan Kattenberg
I created the event so individuals who are training for ultra or long distance events could have a safe place to test their mind and body under challenging conditions.
In April 2021 I set off to complete 1,000 miles pulling my expedition pulk on wheels around the beautiful Derbyshire Peak District Reservoirs. Unfortunately due to loosing too much skin on my heels following a recent 120 mile virtual ultra 3 weeks prior.
Rather than quit due to the injuries on my heals, I split the distance between pulling my pulk on foot and utilising my mountain bike.
I stayed outside unsupported, preparing my own food, personal hygiene, sleeping in a tent, and keeping up to date with my admin as they say! The challenge took me 13 days to complete with some days being very long with little or no sleep. I covered 1,053 miles.
This gave me the idea of a challenge that could be created like no other.
When I’m training in the area pulling my tyre, my training days can be up to 15 hours cover over 40-50 miles unsupported.
Although I’m an active qualified Mountain Leader, I appreciate not everyone has my training nor experience to safely take on such challenges in life.
I therefore wanted to create a safe unique guided challenge for individuals in a beautiful setting who are looking for their next challenge having completed a Yorkshire or National 3 Peaks, maybe completed a triathlon, marathon, ultra marathon or even maybe training to pulling a pulk in arctic conditions.
Safety Management Team
Experienced in many areas of life and qualified mountain leaders, they are approachable, knowledgeable and ultimately want you to succeed.
Please Note:
Should the Safety Management Team have to make the tough decision to withdraw you, their decision is final!
If they have to make a decision to withdraw you from the challenge, they are only making the call for your best interest and naturally for safety reasons. This is no ordinary challenge. It is both physically and mentally challenging in every sense. Do not underestimate the enormity of what you will be taking on in this challenge.
The Mountain Leader Team
Consists of a specialist trained group of Mountain Leaders who not only know the area, but have
a vast experience of guided challenges in all types of weather.
Whilst most Mountain Leaders hold up to date outdoor 1st aid training, our team have key experience in working with participants in challenging conditions under duress and expert navigators in harsh weather conditions.
Medical Assistance Team
Although all outdoor leaders working within The TMB Challenge have outdoor first aid, your safety is a priority. I therefore wanted to ensure a team of specialist experienced medical first aid responders and sports physio specialists at ready and on call. They will be on call throughout the 33 hours and present at various checkpoints.
Why?
You will be pushing yourself to the limit and for some going beyond your perceived limits.
Given the very nature of the terrain, injuries are a risk, dehydration and hyperthermia could be experienced by those who do not look after themselves during the challenge. Equally accidents can happen to anyone of us. I therefore want to ensure your safety is always at the top of our priorities.