Inmarsat, Spectra Group and Team Rubicon in training for the National Three Peaks Challenge
Inmarsat colleagues are set to take on their biggest Running for Rubicon trial yet – the National Three Peaks Challenge on 31 August.
Joining forces with Inmarsat partner Spectra Group and Team Rubicon UK, the 19-strong team will scale three of the UK’s highest mountain peaks – Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England and, finally, Snowdon in Wales… all within a 24-hour period!
#RunningforRubicon is a year-long fund-raising endurance campaign for the charity Team Rubicon that unites the skills of former military servicemen and women with first responders in times of natural disaster or conflict around the world.
Team Rubicon in action following the devastation of Hurricane Irma in 2017
We’re proud to have been Team Rubicon’s satellite communications partner since 2015, providing connectivity for emergency relief efforts as well as longer-term reconstruction projects. In addition, over 30 people at Inmarsat have offered personal support, training as Team Rubicon Greyshirts to deliver humanitarian help whenever needed.
Throughout the 23 mile total hike of the National Three Peaks Challenge, the #RunningforRubicon team, which includes Inmarsat Enterprise President Paul Gudonis, Spectra CEO Simon Davies and Team Rubicon UK CEO Richard Sharp, will be using Inmarsat’s connectivity and Spectra’s satcom terminals for tracking, safety and to stay in contact during the total 10,052ft (3,064 metres) ascent.
The team will carry a BGAN E510 terminal for reliable, seamless broadband and voice communications and they will also take the opportunity to use Inmarsat’s strategic, secure and global L-TAC voice and data service. Combining our L-band connectivity with Spectra’s SlingShot system, L-TAC extends the reach of both VHF and UHF radios, used by soldiers in the field, for Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) communications and is ideal for the mountainous conditions.
Team Rubicon in action following the devastation of Hurricane Irma in 2017
Damian Lewis, Channel Manager for Inmarsat Global Government, who has pioneered the year-long #RunningforRubicon campaign and is a Team Rubicon Greyshirt said: “After deploying to the Caribbean in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma for Team Rubicon UK in 2017, Running for Rubicon seemed like a great way to raise awareness and funds for the charity, as well as highlight the plight of disaster survivors and responders.
In July, Damian took part in one of three solo challenges he is undertaking during the 12-month campaign – Maraton Sierra Nevada. Later in the year he will also undertake the Oman Desert Marathon and in 2019 the ultimate Marathon Des Sables.
George Crisp, Project Manager for Inmarsat Global Government, event manager for the #RunningforRubicon campaign, as well as a member of the team taking part in the monthly challenges said: “I am delighted that our partner, Spectra, will be joining us on the Three Peaks Challenge to help us work towards a common cause of raising £70,000 for the charity and to put our satcoms kit to the test in remote and rugged environments.
“We recently conducted a recce of our final peak (Snowdon) and managed to complete the run in a really great time. We are increasing in confidence that we’ll complete the challenge successfully, but teamwork and discipline will be key.”
The team reaches the summit of Snowdon following a training exercise
Simon Davies, CEO of Spectra Group, stated: “We partner closely with Inmarsat on a day-to-day basis and have SlingShot equipment on the shelf, held in readiness to assist a Team Rubicon deployment should it be required.
“Team Rubicon carry out vital work at the most difficult time and in the most arduous environments. This is what Spectra is all about and so this personal challenge was an obvious one to get behind.”
