20/06/2026
🌅 FIRST LIGHT: The Cleveland Hike 2026 KICKS OFF! 🥾🏔️
While most of the country is still fast asleep hitting the snooze button, Cleveland ACF is already up, packed, and moving out!
The sun has barely cleared the horizon, but basecamp has been a hive of tactical activity since the early hours. Our 3-Star and 4-Star cadet teams—alongside elite competitors from across the nation—woke up at first light, fueled up on their army ration packs, and quickly dismantled camp. Tents, sleeping mats, and bags were rolled, packed, and secured onto their bergens in record time.
Before stepping off, all teams attended a vital safety and route briefing, ensuring they are ready to face whatever the moors throw at them. And yes—the ultra-tough teams from the Gurkhas are on the ground and ready for business! ⚔️
With the briefings done, the safety teams deployed, and the competitive tension at an all-time high, our teams have officially crossed the start line and disappeared into the wilderness for the first grueling leg of their 30-mile trek.
🗺️ What’s Happening Right Now:
As you read this, our cadets are navigating their way through the first major checkpoints across the North York Moors. No phones, no GPS—just pure grit, a map, a compass, and unbeatable team spirit.
They are carrying everything they need to survive on their backs, and the battle for the top spot leaderboard has officially begun.
🔥 The journey has just started. We have our media teams tracking them across the ridges, so keep your eyes glued to our page today. We will be bringing you live updates, checkpoint action, and raw footage from the field as the day unfolds!
Drop some words of encouragement in the comments below to let our teams know Teesside is backing them all the way! 👇💥