Summary
Join Lauren and a team of 14 athletes passionate about sport and pushing the boundaries of inclusive adventure travel. This a 7 day expedition to Malawi including a ‘three peaks’ day trail run, a community 5km and a half marathon through the trails of Zomba Forest. Following closely in Dame Kelly Holmes footsteps, The Orbis All Inclusive combines trail running with time spent visiting communities, inspiring youth initiatives and raising awareness for disability and sport within Malawi. The Orbis All Inclusive Team will be a positive platform, highlighting what can be achieved when a team comes together and pushes themselves mentally and physically, in a remote part of Africa. Mid to high level of fitness required to take on the challenge days but team members passionate about disability and sport also welcome to apply.
The Challenge Days
The Three Peaks Challenge
Tarmac, dirt, uneven hill climbs
Day 3. A 48 km challenge taking in three peaks in one day! The Three Peaks is a walking challenge that takes place every year in the city of Blantyre. We want to join up with local Malawian runners and see if we can run it!
The terrain will be a mix of tarmac, dirt tracks, and steep rocky trails up to each peak- around 500km elevation per peak. With a range of abilities the run will be paced slowly and with plenty of time to take in the stunning views, chat along the way and soak up the buzz of Blantyre and the stunning scenery of Ndirande, Mchiru and Soche Mountains.
Some members of the team can opt to join just for the flatter trails and a support vehicle will be on hand to drop off and pick up where needed!
Village 5km - Community Trail Run
Dusty Village Tracks
Day 5. More children than you can ever imagine just appear from nowhere…
During your time in Malawi we want to get as many people running as possible. On day 6 we will be heading to a rural community nestled in the foothills of Zomba Plateau. We will start from a primary school and run 5km to the community centre where there is a chance to learn more about disability within rural Malawi.
The run will be very hot! But terrain is wide dirt tracks and fairly flat throughout. The kids will want to run with us and they are fast and have incredible stamina- many walk miles to school every day.
For many this run will be there highlight of the trip!
20km - Forest Plateau - Trail Run
Forest Plantation Tracks
Day 7. Half Marathon Zomba Forest Challenge. Rise early to beat the heat of the day. Meet up with your Malawian running team to begin you half marathon at around 6am.
This event is a chance to witness the beauty of the forest, tackle the tough terrain and get into a nice steady pace. The trails are largely rough dust tracks with some parts narrow, rocky and steep. Take your time and stick with your Malawian guides!
As with all the challenge events there is a option to increase or decrease the distance depending on how you are going or join the support crew and whizz around the mountain in a landrover for the morning!
25km. Approx run time 3-7 hrs.
The Purpose
We aim to raise £10,000 to support the work of a number of community led disability organisations in Malawi. The Orbis Inclusive will challenge the perception of disability, visit some ground breaking organisations that are pushing the boundaries of community spirit and groups who are offering amazing opportunities for young disabled athletes in Malawi and beyond.
Your Host: Lauren Steadman, Paralympian
3 Time Paralympian & Rio Silver Medallist, Double World Champion, Six Time European Champion…is excited to host The 2020 Orbis All Inclusive Challenge.
Elite Para – Triathlete Lauren is the current World & European Champion – a title which she has won 3 and 6 times respectively. Lauren was born missing her lower right arm, however this has challenged Lauren to be the best she can be, and she relishes the chance to overcome barriers.
Lauren has competed at two Paralympic Games as a swimmer. She has since specialised in Paratriathlon & represented Team GB in the sports inaugural entry to the Paralympic Games in Rio 2016, where she took home a silver medal. She has her sights set on Tokyo 2020 where she will be aiming for the gold!
Meet our other hosts for Orbis Challenge.
The tingly bits…
The Orbis All Inclusive is so much more than a physical set of challenges. It is the bond you make with your Malawian team mates, the experience of the wildlife game drive, meeting the individuals who care for children with disabilities within their community. Those you will meet and connect with are passionate, resourceful and have determination running through their veins. They want to lift themselves out of poverty and inspire others to do the same. The Orbis All Inclusive will push you mentally and physically, yet challenge any perceptions you have of Malawi, one of Africa’s most beautiful countries. This is Sport with a Purpose.
Logistics
We live and breathe Malawi. It is the only country we run our trips in. We are here to support you every step of the way. From your enquiry, the booking process to welcoming you off the plane. You will receive full event support, the chance to experience community days, lighting the camp fire on the final night and sharing our photos when you return home.
Your health and safety are of paramount importance to us, as part of our 24hr in-country support. Our Malawi-based company, The Responsible Safari Company will be your hosts and our UK Company, Orbis Expeditions will be your booking agents. Orbis Expeditions is ABTA and ATOL bonded.
Kate and Dom (Founders of Orbis and RSC) will be your points of contact throughout and might even join you for a run!
