Five things Team Hillcrest learned at the Banchory Beast Race 2025
A determined team of brave souls from Hillcrest and partner organisations took on the formidable Beast Race on Saturday, conquering the water and mud-soaked course in aid of the Hillcrest Foundation.
Led by Chief Executive John Alexander, the team’s efforts have already generated almost £5,000, with the JustGiving page still open for donations.
However, as the team crossed the finish line victorious, there were some key things they learned while undertaking this formidable challenge!
1. Teamwork eclipses physical fitness when taking on the course
Team Hillcrest was made up of a wide range of abilities, from serious athletes to those who had barely put any miles on their running shoes. Despite this, the camaraderie was strong, with everyone helping and motivating each other around the course. This made it a day of fun and ensured every single person crossed the finish line in great spirits.
2. Bogs are not for the faint of heart…
While diving into bogs isn’t something most people would rush to do in day-to-day life, Team Hillcrest found themselves tackling a pretty big one as part of the course. There was a special sort of charm in being neck-deep in thick mud while using a rope to pull yourself through it – in a very cold, claggy, but invigorating sort of way!
3. Nothing generates memories and hilarious talking points like taking on an obstacle course!
When you come together as a small team to ungracefully flop over obstacles, dive headfirst into mud, and slide into ponds upside down, it certainly makes for some hilarious moments that you’ll be laughing about together long after the event has finished!
4. 17 degrees is enough to turn lips and hands blue
Usually, 17 degrees may represent a pleasant afternoon. However, as Team Hillcrest discovered first-hand on Saturday, when you throw in multiple pond dips and swims, this temperature suddenly seems a lot colder, resulting in a fair bit of shivering at the end! As a side note, the team also concluded that foil blankets are not much help either!
5. Most importantly – the good causes the money raised goes to make everything worthwhile
The day might have been tough, but the whole team smashed the course with a smile on their faces, especially knowing the money was going to a wide range of fantastic causes. All money raised goes to the Hillcrest Foundation, which distributes funds to amazing community projects. This includes internal and external teams and organisations that work tirelessly to support those experiencing homelessness, addiction, isolation, disabilities, and much more. Every bead of sweat shed and penny raised will go towards making a lot of people’s lives that bit better.
If you can spare some extra money to help support these fantastic causes, the team’s JustGiving page is still open. Please click here to support them – anything is welcome, no matter how small.
