Team Smartdesc Conquers the National Three Peaks Challenge for Refuge
Last weekend, the Academia Group took on one of the UK’s toughest endurance events — the National Three Peaks Challenge — in support of Refuge, a charity whose life-changing work provides safety, emergency accommodation and specialist support for women and children escaping domestic abuse. Their mission helps rebuild lives free from fear and we were proud to climb in support of such an important cause.
On Friday 22nd May, fourteen members of the Academia Group set off to take on the incredible challenge. Then, in the early hours of Saturday 23rd May, the real test began.
The team arrived in Fort William to kick off the National Three Peaks Challenge, with the first climb beginning at 7:05am. From that moment, the clock was ticking – 24 hours to summit the UK’s three highest peaks and complete the challenge.
Ben Nevis – A Snowy Start
The first ascent was Ben Nevis, with the team reaching the summit at 9:58am.
What started as a cloudy but dry hike quickly changed as the team approached the summit. Thick white snow and near-zero visibility made conditions increasingly difficult and at times slightly sketchy. Staying close together as a group became essential to ensure nobody lost sight of one another in the harsh weather conditions.
Despite the tough conditions, spirits remained high, as the team completed Ben Nevis by 12:13. After a quick change of clothes and some much-needed refuelling, the team were back on the road by 12:30pm, heading south towards the Lake District for the second mountain of the challenge.
Scafell Pike – Pure Determination
Arriving at the base of Scafell Pike at 6:50pm, the team prepared for what many describe as the most gruelling climb of the three.
And gruelling it certainly was.
From the very beginning, the steep incline and loose rocks demanded complete focus and intention with every step. With the 24-hour target still firmly in sight, there was little time to stop and recover. It became a relentless push upwards.
The team eventually reached the summit through sheer determination, but the reward was unforgettable. A stunning cloud inversion stretched across the landscape, creating a view that made every difficult step worthwhile.
But there was little time to pause and take it all in.
With the goal still front of mind, the team descended quickly, reaching the bottom at 9:49pm before immediately setting off once again for the final mountain.
Snowdon – Racing the Clock
The final ascent began at 3:15am on Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) via the Pyg Track — one of the most rugged routes to the summit.
By this point, the team were running on empty. Exhaustion had fully set in, but teamwork and encouragement carried everyone forward. Every member of the group pushed each other on, proving that mentality can be just as powerful as physical strength.
The pain was immense, but the determination to complete the challenge within 24 hours never faded.
At 5:06am, Team Smartdesc reached the summit of Snowdon just in time for sunrise and what a sunrise it was. After everything the team had endured, it felt like the mountain itself was rewarding the journey with one final unforgettable moment.
But even then, the mission was not complete.To finish within the target time, the team were instructed to run back down the mountain. Every step became a mental battle. Knees and calves were screaming to stop, but nobody gave in.
The team dug deep and pushed through.At 6:18am, Team Academia officially completed the National Three Peaks Challenge in an incredible 23 hours and 14 minutes.
An unbelievable achievement from every single person involved.
Thank You
A huge thank you goes to MUUK for guiding the team, keeping everyone safe and ensuring the challenge stayed on track from start to finish.
We would also like to thank our partners and sponsors, Philips and Tech Unlimited, for helping make this challenge possible.
So far, we have raised an incredible amount for Refuge. While we haven’t yet reached our fundraising goal, we are hugely grateful for every single contribution received so far.
If you are able to donate, even just a small amount, we would be incredibly grateful for your support. If you can, please donate to the cause here.
Mark McCormack, Managing Director of Academia the Technology Group, says:
“I couldn’t be prouder of the team who took part in this incredible challenge. Completing the National Three Peaks in under 24 hours is a fantastic achievement and a true reflection of Academia’s values in action.
Throughout the challenge, the team demonstrated outstanding teamwork, supporting and encouraging one another through every stage of the journey, alongside real ambition and determination to keep pushing through the physical and mental demands involved. They also showed integrity throughout, relying on trust, accountability and resilience in some very challenging conditions.
Most importantly, this challenge was about people and making a positive impact. Supporting Refuge and the vital work they do for women and children escaping domestic abuse gave the challenge an even greater sense of purpose, highlighting the importance of standing behind causes that genuinely make a difference.
I would like to thank everyone who climbed, donated, sponsored and supported the team throughout this journey. It was an incredible achievement and everyone involved should be immensely proud of what they accomplished.”
