The Centrica Mountain marathon took place on 12th & 13th July 2003 in North Wales. The event had been nine months in the planning and involved 29 teams from within the Centrica Group.

Their challenge was to walk 26 miles (the distance of a standard road marathon) within 24 walking hours.

Beginning with an ascent of Snowdon the teams then descended to Pen-y-Pass before climbing onto the Glydderau. Day one finished with a descent into Ogwen valley. Day two started where day one had finished with an ascent of Pen-yr-Ole Wen and then a descending ridge walk, over the Carneddau finishing in Llanfairfechan on the promenade.

The 29 teams all came from within the Centrica Group from businesses such as British Gas, The AA, Goldfish and One-Tel as well as a healthy contingent from Centrica itself.

Whilst the walk was the physical challenge the main aim was for each team to raise at least £5000 that would be donated to three charities; the Meningitis Trust, the Air Ambulance Foundation and BEN. Many teams exceeded this amount one team raising £18,000 on its own!

The event was conceived, planned and managed by Global Challenge UK, specialists in the field of outdoor events designed to be used by charities to raise funds for their work. The concept of UK based Mountain Challenges is a proven formula and fundraising ratios are good.

The AA Human Resources Director, Martin Sawkins, who took part in the event said:

"The organisation of the event was excellent with teams free to focus on the challenge. There were many sore feet, blisters and tired legs but these were all overcome with a real sense of pride both in the personal achievement and the fundraising total"