WildEndurance is a 100km, 48 hour, team trek challenge that gives groups of 4-6 people the opportunity to test their stamina and fitness.

The course starts in Megalong Valley, continues up on to the Narrowneck ridge, around the Three Sisters, through the Jamison valley, and returns to to Katoomba via Leura and Echo Point.

Hazelbrook resident Craig Clarke, who competed in last year’s challenge, said it was an experience he will never forget.

“We have a wonderful playground here — I have lived in the Mountains for 19 years and I saw more on that walk then I’ve ever seen. You get to see a huge variety of our backyard that you just don’t know is there,” said Craig.

Craig , who competed with a team of workmates from ANZ Hawksbury, said it took him 33 hours to complete the gruelling trek.

“Towards the end we got to a point where we could see the finish line and there was only 5 kms to go and I just couldn’t walk anymore. Instead, we ended up running the last leg. It transcends the physical and becomes an emotional journey,” he said.

Craig is keen to compete again in this year’s challenge and is currently looking for a team.

“The event is very well organised. The volunteers were very encouraging, especially at the 80km point — they were more than happy to mend your blisters and wish you well,” he said.

“My fitness levels increased dramatically with all the training involved. It’s amazing what it has done for me.”

Registrations are now open for the third WildEndurance team challenge event.

Teams compete for the glory and also great prizes, including a World Expeditions travel voucher for a whole team.

Competitors will also have a fund-raising target, raising funds for The Wilderness Society’s campaigns to protect and restore wild places, such as Cape York Peninsula and the River Red Gums of south west NSW.

“Whilst the event will maintain its friendly personalised appeal, we are aiming to double the amount of teams participating this year,” said the Wilderness Society spokesperson, Sarah Rimmer.

“Teams will be supported by an easier fund-raising website and social media tools to communicate with their supporters and donators to raise those all important funds,” she said.

“The course is tough but with proper training, any reasonably fit person can successfully participate.”

For more information, or to register, log on to www.wildendurance.org