Categories: Events

Behind the scenes at the British Firefighter Challenge

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The British Firefighter Challenge is an annual sporting event involving a series of gruelling strength and endurance challenges. Designed to encourage health and fitness, advance equality and diversity, and fundraise for the Firefighters Charity, the event welcomes firefighters worldwide from all backgrounds and ethnicities.

This year over 100 Firefighters competed, representing Fire Services from across the UK and Europe. With over a dozen sponsors, nearly 1,000 spectators and over 5,000 viewers live streaming the event, the challenge raised £5,000 for the Firefighters Charity, helping operational and retired firefighters receive the physical, financial or mental health support they need.

The challenge tests speed, strength and stamina, as participants complete eight gruelling stages one after the other, carrying over 30kg of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and breathing apparatus. From a three-story tower stair ascent and descent to a casualty rescue of a 70KG dummy, the event pushes firefighters to their limits.

John Gregory, Director at the British Firefighter Challenge and Crew Manager at Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, says, “Finding the time and energy to train for the challenge can be a feat in itself. I recommend breaking each stage down. Improve your stair running and sprinting, work with resistance and weights similar to those used on the course and get familiar with dragging a 70kg dummy. The final challenge of completing the casualty rescue cannot be underestimated.”

This year over 100 Firefighters competed, representing Fire Services from across the UK and Europe. With over a dozen sponsors, nearly 1,000 spectators and over 5,000 viewers live streaming the event, the challenge raised £5,000 for the Firefighters Charity, helping operational and retired firefighters receive the physical, financial or mental health support they need.

The challenge tests speed, strength and stamina, as participants complete eight gruelling stages one after the other, carrying over 30kg of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and breathing apparatus. From a three-story tower stair ascent and descent to a casualty rescue of a 70KG dummy, the event pushes firefighters to their limits.

John Gregory, Director at the British Firefighter Challenge and Crew Manager at Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, says, “Finding the time and energy to train for the challenge can be a feat in itself. I recommend breaking each stage down. Improve your stair running and sprinting, work with resistance and weights similar to those used on the course and get familiar with dragging a 70kg dummy. The final challenge of completing the casualty rescue cannot be underestimated.”

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